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November 2017
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SPECIAL ITEMS
Deacons  
Church Office Hours
8:30-4:30
Mon - Fri
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Deadline for the 
December 2017
newsletter is 
November 20
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LISTENING TO THE HEARTBEAT OF GOD
The late summer air remained hot as we gathered at the Seminary Church in mid-September.  The fledgling campus ministry faced a challenge.  With preparations for the rummage sale filling the community room on the first floor, the board members of the campus ministry considered whether to prepare for worship upstairs in the unfinished sanctuary or outside.   
 
A moment later we determined that the small garden area next to the church and across from the hospital would work best.  Sure there were groups of students walking past that might be a little distracting to us, however, we hoped that our worshipping presence outside would be a compelling witness.  As the sun slipped below the horizon, we set out chairs and prepared the table for communion. Then we began.
 
While we read scripture and prayed, then shared the bread and the cup, a curious occurrence repeated itself.  Those members of the campus ministry facing the street noticed the passing groups of students and parents look at our humble gathering and then up at the church building behind us.  Some pedestrians looked, really looked at the building seeing the stained glass windows, the steeple and more.  A few even pointed, pointed not at our group but at the church.

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 capita

PER CAPITA


Per capita or per head...  is a set amount of money per member that congregations contribute to the larger Presbyterian Church (USA). This per capita is used for the expenses of our PC(USA) mission co-workers, leadership development, new church development, and General Assembly meetings to name just a few.
 
We urge every member to give toward your per capita of $46.26.  Your contribution not only connects you with the work of the church throughout the world, this also allows finances reserved in 2017 to fully cover our congregational per capita to be used instead to support the missions of the Oxford Presbyterian Church. 
 
Per Capita envelopes are available in the narthex or by contacting the church office.  And thank you as we seek...serve... and share!


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Youth Fundraiser
fundraiser
Sunday October 29th is the 500th anniversary of the Reformation and the Celebration of the Heritage of our Church. 
 
Please join us after service on October 29th for a shared meal of soup and salad and desserts at The Seminary from 11:30-1:30 PM. The Youth Group will serve as hosts for this fundraiser for their summer mission trip to Charleston, S. C.
 
This will be our first Youth Group fundraiser for this year.  Funds will be used to offset costs for the mission trip, spring youth retreat at Kirkmont Center and for the summer PYC and junior PYC Kirkmont camps. 
 
Tickets are $5/person or no more than $20/family.  Tickets are available for purchase after service in the Molyneaux Lounge or at the door on October 29th.
 
Donations are needed for soup, salad, bread or dessert.  If you are able to help, please sign up in the Molyneaux Lounge, contact Mary Shinn 513-523-2662 (leave message please) or at akiikimom@gmail.com .
 
It has been the practice at OPC for all youth members and parents to participate in at least one fundraiser.
Mary Shinn

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educate
CHRISTIAN EDUCATION 
Teachers
Preschool: Janet Holmes
Grades k-2: Sarah Miller and Deb Sayers
Grades 3-5: Bill Fisher and Leanne Staley
Middle School: Prue Dana
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Acolyte- Erik Staley
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Save the Date:  Bird Feeders
Students, parents, grandparents, and siblings are invited to make birdfeeders with Dick Munson and Libby Birch. The 45-56 Club will meet on Sunday November 19, 1:30pm at 6751 Brown Road. Please plan to car pool. A heavy duty plastic juice jug is needed. Call Bridgite 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.
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November 26- Only nursery, preschool and k-2 classes available.
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December 3- Advent Workshop following worship with Pizza Lunch!
 
Opportunities available to share a craft and help with the meal.  Sign-ups in the Molyneaux.  More details to follow.   


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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, Betty Reinhart, Jan Reinhart, Marilyn Rettig, Sarah Soika, Stacey Winn 

Lord in Your Mercy, Hear Our Prayers
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JOYS
With great Joy we WELCOME our newest members and affiliates. 
 
Arly Allen, Ashley Boyle, Mitch Hardy, Griffin Barrington. 
We'll get to know these folks better in the next newsletter!
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Concerns
Meet Tanner ...

and Molly, Tanner's dog

Some of you may have heard Mary Shinn's request for prayers a couple of weeks ago for Tanner Young, his brother Owen Young and their mother, Nichole Smith on Sunday morning.  Tanner's story was also shared with the youth group.  Tanner and his brother were recently reunited with their mother and moved into nearby Trenton, Ohio.  Tanner was enrolled to start his 9th grade at Edgewood High School but before school started, he fell sick.  The doctors thought he had strep throat but after completing some tests, determined he needed to be admitted to ICU, as Tanner did not have strep throat.  He was diagnosed with a staph infection, pneumonia, and acute lymphoblastic leukemia.  Due to having to take care of Tanner, his mother lost two jobs.
 
Since I last requested your prayers for this family, Tanner has moved out of ICU but remains in the hospital where he is receiving chemotherapy. 
 
Your continued prayers are needed for Tanner and his family.  OPC has also provided prayer shawls for this family. 
 
What a wonderful way to show this family that OPC cares for them! 
Mary Shinn
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THANK YOU(s)
 
Rummage Sale Success
Wow!  Thank you for your many wonderful donations to the OPW rummage sale!  It made the shoppers very happy to see all of these great donations.  And a big THANK YOU to all who shopped, for you are the ones who enabled us to make $2262.50 to support our missions!
 
Our congregation certainly came together by providing the necessary work to receive, sort, price and sell the items.  Shoppers were overheard saying that they always enjoy coming to our sale for the best items and the best prices!  The RATS (Rummage Action Team Specialists) did a fantastic job as usual.  Any unsold items were distributed to Dove House (a woman's shelter) the Animal Adoption Foundation animal shelter and Goodwill.
 
We cannot thank our volunteers enough.  Those who helped are: Paula and Joe Foltz, Sue, Dave and Jim Wilson, Karen Shearer, Nancy Moeckel Carol Burkhalter, Jean O'Connell, Debbie Davidson, Margaret Butcher, Jane Jackson, Carol Flee, Becky Quay, Joy Russell, Rachel Mehl, Mickey Preston, Karen and Joe Simpson, Judy Herald, Angela and Darius Trubceac, Lynn Cronk, Lisa Brunkhorst, Jo Reinhart, Jan Reinhart, Barb Skipper, Billie Maynard, Ginny Layton, Zeke Groom, Lawrence, Jens, and Lydia Bartel, Ben Baughman, and Robert Simpson.  We couldn't have done it if even one of you had not helped.  Thank You.
Karen Shearer
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THANK YOU
To my beloved church,
     As I was painstakingly packing everything I own for my move to Richmond, Virginia, I came across two boxes of cards that I had saved. In one box were cards sent for encouragement after my breast cancer surgery (nineteen years ago), and in the other box were sympathy cards for my parents' passing. More than half the cards were from members of our church! Reading over these cards made me realize how much support you have given me over the last thirty-nine years. So, this letter is not only a letter of farewell, but one of gratitude. Thank you for all the opportunities to serve and to grow in faith. Thank you for the fellowship and friendship. Thank you for teaching my children and planting seeds of faith. Thank you for sending me to Colombia and various Habitat trips. Because of you, I got to be a Junior Music Camp counselor at  Kirkmont, and this experience led me to join the choir, which has become one of my greatest joys (really, you should try it)! Thank you Lynn and Kent for a fun, spiritual experience. And lastly but not leastly, thank you Prue and Pam for joining me on many adventures and endeavors.
     There really is so much about which I could write. OPC has been central to my life, and as I prepare to leave, I realize just how much. My wish for you is that you continue to grow and thrive. I wish for you new members, especially young families. I know you will provide them with all the nurture and love that you have given me.  I was that young family once upon a time. Now I leave, shall we say, as a more seasoned adult full of faith, love, and memories. You will always be in my heart.
Love and peace,
Mary Jo McFadden
P.S. I will be back to visit.


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sessionsSESSION

October Session Meeting
 
Session approved the Ministry Information Form, completed by the Associate Pastor Nominating Committee.  This form will be reviewed by the Committee on Ministry of the presbytery on October 31,2017.  If approved by that body OPC is then ready to start advertising the Associate Pastor position.  Networking is a big part of getting the word out.  Church members are encouraged to be alert to possible candidates.
 
Following several months work on updating the CCNS policy the Session passed the policy, as amended.  Since its inception in 1972 many changes have taken place.  The term "cooperative" has taken on a different concept.  Policies and procedures have been rewritten to better describe the current way the school is run.
 
The Mission and Outreach committee is dwindling in number.  More members are sorely needed.  The committee is responsible for distributing a significant number of funds to mission projects.  Please consider calling David Wilson (523-8848) or Deb Sayers (937-643-2031 ) to hear more about their work and to offer your participation. (See more about mission projects in the next section.)
 
Facilities Planning Team continues to study the best elevator situation for the Seminary and the priorities for the narthex of the Memorial Building.
 
Clean Up day at both the Memorial Building and The Seminary will be November 4th, 10 a.m. - noon.
 
Judy Fisher, Clerk      
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stewardships
S TEWARDSHIP HIGHLIGHTS FROM COMMITTEES OF SESSION

stewardship
Worship and Music
Sometimes it's hard to hear when we share Joys and Concerns.  We will start using the two hand-held microphones by asking the ushers to take a microphone to each speaker.  Hand-written personal Invitations to attend the October 29th Reformation/
Heritage Sunday service were mailed to 50-year-plus members of the congregation. Bookmarks made by Sunday school children will be distributed at the service or by mail to those unable to attend.  The Lectionary Year ends November 26th. Pastor Lawrence will be away that Sunday, and Deanna Roberts will lead the worship service.  The W & M Committee will decorate the sanctuary for Christmas on December 2nd.
 
Mission and Outreach
The committee plans to support the Club House in Oxford, which meets each Tuesday from 5:30-8 PM and is run by college students. They have a 15-passenger van that they use to pick up and return the children. On average, they serve 25- 35 children each week, which includes a nutritious meal. They are seeking help with meals, tutoring, volunteers and financial support. We have agreed to supply a meal for these children on the 4th Tuesday of each month for October, November, and January. Our committee is supporting Family Promise of Butler County, an intense Program that is effective in helping adults pull their family out of homelessness and reenter a stable home environment. Dave Wilson has volunteered to work on their website. M&O has agreed to help promote and financially support a Habitat for Humanity Project in Oxford that will begin in the next few months.
 
Monies assigned:
  • Family Promise in Butler County for $1,000,
  • Presbyterian Disaster Assistance with another gift of $1,000 to help with disasters associated with the recent hurricanes.
  • $811.75 to support the Oxford Free Clinic.
  • $1,200 to support the Family Resource Center and
  • $1,200 for the Oxford Community Choice Pantry,
  • $1,600 to help our Sister Church with their Bethesda Center.
  • $200 honorarium for Allan and Ellen Smith (Russian Missionaries),
  • Expenditure of up to $800 to support travel arrangements for Igor who will be coming from Russia in January of 2018.
As noted in the Clerk's report, this committee actively seeks new members to join in mission.

Stewardship and Finance
Pledge Sunday will be November 12.
The data from the old system has been converted to the new ACS Realm system. Mary and Bridgite have been using the new system for the past few weeks and are very pleased with it. They report it as being easier to use and more functional for capturing tasks that were time-consuming in the past. The final cost will drop from $267 per month to $93 per month beginning in January 2018. Joe Simpson has been integral in the process.

Membership, Evangelism and Fellowship
Goal is to have the directory produced by the end of the year. Big THANK YOU to Pat and Kim for their leadership on this and to everyone who hosted a table.
Nametag holder - still need to explore/decide what we would like to do with this piece of furniture.
Folder has been assembled to hand to visitors.
Desire to re-start Time to Dine - Will work on this again after the first of the year.

Communications
Although the website update process is behind the original timeline - it is moving forward!
We are in the final phases of the Church Directory project

F acility Planning Team
Priorities for front of Memorial Church project: Handicap accessible entrance, must be done right: Need good landscaping for attractive entrance, Narthex needs to be welcoming. Bathroom is also critical and all above pieces fit together as a whole.

Trustees
Clean up Day at Memorial and Seminary will be November 4th from 10AM-noon.  Memorial Landscape trimming: Shademakers will trim everything back to about 4-5 feet tall in November.

Memorial Building
  • Roof repairs: This must be addressed due to the leak damage into the Geneva room. A bid has been received and accepted for the roof repair
  • Broken handicapped lift: will be repaired
  • Playground fencing/landscaping: a donor is interested in replacing this. Will also remove some of the old mulch and replace it with new, deeper mulch.
The Seminary  
  • Expect building permits for elevator and HVAC from the city by the end of October. Hopefully we can start construction by January.  It has been determined that the elevator can be back in the corner, because we are using a minimal enclosed lift, like the lift at the Lutheran church.
  • Cleaning up second floor for Heritage Sunday. Robert will list old wooden tables, the old piano and excess coat racks on Oxford social media hoping someone will be willing to take them. 
We have decided to install a lift versus elevator to provide handicapped access to the second floor. This will better align with our budget and can fit in the northwest corner of the building without adversely affecting the stage area. The timeframe is taking shape. It is anticipated that the architect will need about a month to perform his work before bids can go out to general contractors. It is hoped that the actual work will begin in January or February.
 
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deacon
DEACONS

The Deacons are updating the bakers and meal makers list.  Do you want to be included when someone needs support with an illness, memorial service or injury recovery? Of course you do! The Deacons keep a list of "who ya gonna call?" If you can make a meal, a main dish, a side dish, or a dessert YOU can make a difference.
Call Ginny Layton or Carol Burkhalter to have your name added to the list.  What a chance to join in and do something for someone else!

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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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                   women

OXFORD PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH WOMEN
  
 
circles
THE TUESDAY AFTERNOON CIRCLE
meets on November 21 at 1:30 in the Country Kitchen.  Reservations for the optional lunch at noon due to Rosemary Fisher by Friday, November 17. Visitors and guests are always welcome.  For more information contact Prue Dana or Lynn Cronk. 


THE TUESDAY EVENING CIRCLE
Meets in the home of Sue Wilson, 6538 Morning Sun Road on November 7.  Co Hostess is Janet Holmes, who also leads the Program.  Billie Maynard leads the Devotions.
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mission
OUR MISSION STATEMENT AT WORK

Seeking God, Serving Others, Sharing Christ's Love With All
 
Are you aware that Mission and Outreach is involved in a program that serves the needs of children (K-5th grade) that live inthe trailer park or
Park View Arms and go to Kramer elementary school?  Bridge Church in Oxford is the primary sponsor of this program but without church and community support this program would not exist.  Clubhouse is a children's ministry program that primarily relies upon Miami University students to run this program every week (Tuesday 5:30-8 PM). These volunteers help children with homework, play games, sing songs, and share the gospel of Jesus Christ through stories, crafts and songs. The volunteers are paired with the same child or group of children each week to encourage a mentoring relationship.The program starts
off with a nutritious meal and includes transportation. What are they asking from OPC?  They would like us to sponsor a simple but nutritious meal Mission and Outreach is currently sponsoring a meal on the 4th Tuesday of each month but we need help. Sue Wilson and Deb Sayers have taken  on the task of cooking and bringing in a covered dish, some fruit, and a d esert for about 40 people
 (children and college students). If you are willing to help with Club House or join Mission and Outreach to promote OPC involvement in important local mission project, please contact the church office (523-6364) or Dave Wilson ((523-8848).

 
Dave Wilson
 
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Is the Holy Spirit Among Us?
Is it a Miracle when Small becomes Large?
 
Our Oxford Church congregation is not  l arge and when the Miami Valley Presbytery matched us with the Seventh Presbyterian Church in Barranquilla we learned that their church had about 120 members.  After years of friendship in our partnership a small group of seven from Oxford visited our sister church in Barranquilla in 2013.  They returned with the knowledge that our small sister had a large mission in the El Por Fin Barrio serving displaced women and children who were living in impoverished conditions.
 
At a small OPW gathering there was a discussion that centered on the dedication of our sisters and brothers in Barranquilla and how we might assist in their mission that was serving a large desperate population of women and children.  The Holy Spirit planted the small seed of an idea.  Maybe we could apply for a grant to build a new building to replace the very dilapidated structure that was being used for the mission.
 
We decided to apply for a Birthday Offering Grant.   Funds for this grant opportunity are collected from Presbyterian churches in every State across the country.  Individual women give small amounts that are then pooled together to create a large fund to support missions.  Usually the Birthday Offering supports two large projects each year.
 
The large grant of $100,000 enabled our sister church to build a new building for the Bethesda Christian Community Center-a house of Mercy.  This is creating the space for our small sister church to grow an even larger mission.  They have big plans for the expansion of their services to reach even more people in need.
 
Another small group of six from the Oxford church visited the Seventh Church in Barranquilla in 2017 to witness the dedication of the new Bethesda Center.  It is amazing to realize how the Holy Spirit is working among us.  Many small contributions can add up to a large amount to do a project.  Many different people in a small church can combine their talents to achieve a big mission.
 
Our friends in Colombia judge their success in small ways.  If they can be a Beacon of Hope in a neighborhood that is filled with despair--that is a success.  If one young boy will finish school instead of dropping out and joining a gang--that is success.  If one young girl will stay in school instead of dropping out at a young age and becoming pregnant--that is success.  Influencing the life of one person might seem small, but the impact on that individual and the outcome for their life is huge!  That is a big plan for success coming from a small, dedicated group of Christians.
Sue Wilson

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ANNOUCEMENTS
announcementsbethesda

ALTERNATIVE GIFT DONATIONS FOR THE BETHESDA CENTER
 
The new Bethesda Christian Community Center in Barranquilla needs furnishings.  The mission team that visited in August for the building dedication saw that the kitchen is lacking a stove, a refrigerator, and a kitchen sink!  The classrooms are in need of tables, chairs, fans, storage closets, shelving, and books and games. The community room needs tables and chairs.  If your would like to make a gift to help furnish the Bethesda Center, you can write a check to the Oxford Presbyterian Church and write Bethesda CCC in the memo line.  You can also donate to the Center in honor of someone as an alternative Christmas gift .  You will receive a special gift card to advise your friends and family that a donation has been made in their honor. We will have a table at the Cookie Walk on December 2nd and in the Molyneaux during Sundays in December where you can purchase the gift cards.
The Seventh Presbyterian Church has big plans for the future of the Bethesda Center:      DREAMS FOR THE FUTURE OF BCCC  
  • To continue to support 150 children & 90 women
  • Transformation of neighborhood
  • Dining for children to fight malnutrition
  • Develop possible medical clinic 
  • Internal life -words & actions
  • Coordinate with authorities in government & university
  • Conversations for kids not able to attend university
  • Train for a better life by teaching skills
  • Change thinking that a better life is possible
  • Answer to the Question of the Month Happy Birthday
  • Want to humanize children who have been taught to solve problems via violence
  • Expect BCCC to be light of hope for the people in the future
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mittenMITTEN TREE
Donations for our holiday mitten tree will take place over 3 Sundays, beginning on December 3.  Once again, you may place cash or check (payable to Oxford Presbyterian Church), in the envelope inside of the mitten.  Select any mitten from the tree, and then bring the mitten with your donation (suggestion $40-$50) to the Molyneaux Lounge where you can place the mitten in the basket.  Be sure to put your name and the child's name on the envelope and check list.
By making a donation (and any amount is welcome) you are providing a Christmas gift for a child in Oxford.  The children's names are given to OPC from the Oxford Resource Center where they are screened and proven to be in need. The Resource Center staff accompanies parents of the children to purchase gifts from Wal-Mart.  Parents are absolutely thrilled that they decide what gifts to purchase.  And the children are delighted to open a present that they were wishing to receive.  Help make this a wonderful Christmas for a child in need.  Questions?  See Karen Shearer (523-5934)
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cookiesCOOKIES-COOKIES-COOKIES
 
Everyone likes cookies, so be sure to come to our Cookie Walk on Saturday December 2 from 10-1 in the Molyneaux Lounge, NOT THE SEMINARY.  That's right, the Memorial Building is the place to be to buy those delicious treats and wonderful holiday crafts. Hurry, before they are all gone!
We have excellent bakers and crafters in our congregation and we need your donations.  We will receive donations on Friday, December 1 from 3:30 - 7pm at the church.  Carol Burkhalter and Karen Shearer will be there to accept your goodies, and hopefully will not eat everything in sight!
Karen Shearer
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safehavenSAVE THE DATE-DECEMBER 3
 
SAFE HAVEN FARMS welcomes us again this year to decorate their Center for the Christmas Season.  Everything is already there, waiting for us to turn the room into a cheerful holiday haven for the "farmers."  When these autistic young adults see the transformation, they are super delighted! So save the date of Sunday, December 3.  We will meet at 1:30pm behind the church to carpool to Middletown, or you may just drive yourself.  Directions will be provided, if needed, or tune your GPS to 5970 No Mans Road, Middletown Ohio 45042.  If you decide to carpool, please tell Karen Shearer so we don't leave without you!
This is a fun event as we all have a good time while decorating.  Don't miss out on the fun.  Circle Sunday December 3 on your calendar NOW!  Questions?  Contact Karen Shearer 523-5934
 
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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, November 14 & 28 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 Quay
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START TALKING: BUILDING A DRUG FREE FUTURE
 
An effort is underway across Ohio to prevent drug use among Ohio's most vulnerable citizens - our children. A new website to give parents, guardians, educators and community leaders the tools to start the conversation with Ohio's youth about the importance of living healthy, drug-free lives is now available
A majority of substance-free adolescents credit their parents for the decision not to use illegal substances. Likewise, teachers and other authority figures can have a similar influence on youth and their decision-making.
Parents, mentors and peers can make a difference just by talking to the young people in their lives about drug use. Please Start Talking http://www.starttalking.ohio.gov
Mary Shinn
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cleanup 
The trustees have chosen Saturday, November 4 from 10-12 as the annual fall cleanup.  We'll rake the Memorial and The Seminary properties as well as pick up the gazillion acorns that we have been blessed with this year.  It is getting harder for those church members who traditionally do most of the work to continue.  We are hoping for a few new younger, stronger volunteers to help.  Bring your rakes, gloves and enthusiasm!  Pizza will be provided at noon for the workers.  It would help to RSVP to me via email or at my home phone of 523-1241 to give me some idea of the number of people we can plan on.  Thanks.  Lisa  Brinkhorst
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serrvYOU CAN CHANGE LIVES!
You have 2 opportunities to participate in our Serrv sale! The first is checking out the items in the catalog and ordering them.  If we achieve an order of $300, the postage is free. Your purchase is a community building experience that makes a difference in the lives at home and abroad. By selling the handcrafted items and foods in the catalog you connect with the artisans and farmers who created them. Prue Dana will have catalogs available after church in the Molyneaux.  Or you can select your items online at serrv.org.  Join in the group order by telling Prue what you want to order. Orders are due to Prue by November 15.
 
The second is our traditional SERRV sale at the Cookie Walk on Saturday December 2 from 10-1 in the Molyneaux Lounge, NOT THE SEMINARY. See you there!
 
You may also order Bread for the World Christmas cards and look at other alternative Christmas catalogs See Prue during the fellowship time.
Prue Dana
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Deadline for the December  Newsletter is November  20, 2017
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community
COMMUNITY
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All are invited to join Church Women United 2017 World Community as we join the 500th Anniversary joint Prayer Service. It will be held October 29 at 4 p.m. at Kumler Chapel on Miami's Western Campus. Father Jeffery P. Silver of St. Mary Catholic Church and Pastor Logan Dysart of Faith Lutheran Church will lead the service.
Prue Dana
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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 

 
birthdaysWe have had some oversights with the change over of administrative software.  Hopefully, we have things all taken care of now.  We apologize to Noah and Abby.
 
BELATED BIRTHDAY WISHES
October  15   Noah Curry
October  17  Abby Curry
 
November Birthdays
 
1       Joyce Weber
2       Timothy Jackson
2       James Baer
3       Chuck Crain
3       Bill Thomas
4       Jonathan Feazell
5       Matt Todd
6       Ken Bogard
6       Kent Peterson
7       Rich Drewes
9       Larry Johnson
9       Johanna Reinhart
10     Randy Listerman
10     Kelsey Listerman
10     Carol Richmond
11     Nancy Nisbet
13     Pete Roberts
15     Mike Handy
15     Kara Marado
15     Chase Walter
16     John Curry, Sr.
16     Scott Shriver
18     Mary Jo McFadden
23     Roger Gates
23     Russ Logsdon
24     David Feazell
24     Alex Logsdon
25     Vicki Shriver
26     Betty Barnhart
27     Barbara Skipper
28     Anthony Sunderhaus
29     Karolin Ginting
 
November Novelties
 
November 1981 - First Class US Mail raised from 18 cents to 20 cents. Prior to the use of stamps, the receiver, not the sender, paid for postage.

The first mechanically ventilated underwater tunnel in the world, The Holland Tunnel, opened to traffic on November 13, 1927. The tunnel is 1.6miles long and was d esignated a National Historic Landmark in 1993
 
Commander Richard E. Byrd and crew of three became first to fly over the South Pole, November 29, 1929 .
 
More than twice as much chocolate is sold for Halloween as for Valentine's Day; 90 million pounds of chocolate are sold during Halloween week alone. In total, $1.9 billion is spent on Halloween candy each year.
 
The Leonid meteor shower is annually active in the month of November and it usually peaks around November 17 or 18.
 
Daylight savings time ends at 2:00 AM on Sunday, November 5
 
Question of the month:
A man brags that he has an amazing talent; "I know almost every song that has ever existed, I am willing to bet you $500 that I can sing a genuine song with a lady's name of your choice in it.  His friend says, "'OK, how about my daughter's name, Joanna Armstrong-Miller?'  The braggart earned $500.  What song did he sing?
 
Read every article in the newsletter to find the answer hidden somewhere!  
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LISTENING TO THE HEARTBEAT OF GOD
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The late summer air remained hot as we gathered at the Seminary Church in mid-September.  The fledgling campus ministry faced a challenge.  With preparations for the rummage sale filling the community room on the first floor, the board members of the campus ministry considered whether to prepare for worship upstairs in the unfinished sanctuary or outside.   
 
A moment later we determined that the small garden area next to the church and across from the hospital would work best.  Sure there were groups of students walking past that might be a little distracting to us, however, we hoped that our worshipping presence outside would be a compelling witness.  As the sun slipped below the horizon, we set out chairs and prepared the table for communion. Then we began.
 
While we read scripture and prayed, then shared the bread and the cup, a curious occurrence repeated itself.  Those members of the campus ministry facing the street noticed the passing groups of students and parents look at our humble gathering and then up at the church building behind us.  Some pedestrians looked, really looked at the building seeing the stained glass windows, the steeple and more.  A few even pointed, pointed not at our group but at the church.
 
We were left with the unmistakable impression that they recognized the building behind us as a church, as if for the first time.  We'll never know how many students may have passed by the building for days, weeks, perhaps even years without realizing what it was - a place for worship and mission.
 
That evening reminded me of a phrase by Parker Palmer - "secrets hidden in plain sight."
 
I love to talk, write, and share sermons about Stewardship because each occasion offers a marvelous opportunity to reveal the many generous secrets of stewardship hidden in plain sight throughout the year and over generations.
 
Though the Seminary Church has stood as a faithful witness on the corner of Church and Poplar Streets since 1838, some in Oxford and the Miami University community may be seeing it as a witness to the ministry of Jesus Christ for the first time.  It has been a secret hidden in plain sight.
This summer our congregation hosted Vacation Bible School in partnership with the Methodist, Lutheran, and Episcopal Churches.  We welcomed dozens and dozens of youth and parents from throughout the community into both of our church facilities during this wonderful, meaningful, and deepening Christian Education experience.  A tornado siren even drove us to seek shelter in the basement of the Memorial Church on the first evening.  No longer is our ministry a secret hidden in plain sight, we have engaging stories to tell!
 
In the fall of 2016, five teens gathered for youth group.  Last year was one of rebuilding and growing and before long the secret was no longer hidden in plain sight.  The secret was out.  The Lutheran Church asked if we might establish a partnership between our two congregations for youth ministry.  This fall, the growth in youth ministry prompted us to divide into middle school and high school groups.
 
Lives of all ages are being touched through our ministry.  From the Journey Through the Bible to the Community Meals, from the Colombian mission journey in August to the Habitat for Humanity build in Oxford over the coming months, no longer is our ministry a secret hidden in plain sight. We have transformative stories to tell!
With much joy and enthusiasm, we've launched our 2018 Stewardship Campaign on the theme "Building Momentum."  Our momentum is growing throughout our ministry and mission.  In the midst of all this action, we are in the early stages of hiring an Associate Pastor for Family and Campus Ministry that will lead to even more opportunities for growth.
 
The work of the Stewardship and Finance Committee is another secret hidden in plain sight.  Faithfully and carefully, this team develops a budget for the coming year.  As they plan for the necessary support in continuing to build momentum over 2018, it is their estimate that an increase in total pledged income of 20% is needed for the coming year.  A key ingredient is the hiring of the Associate Pastor who will become a full partner in extending our Family and Campus ministry as we develop new opportunities in faith.

Please mark your calendar for Stewardship Sunday, November 12, when we gather our pledges and tithes that establish the foundation of our church budget for the next fiscal year.  To achieve our goal of a 20% increase in total pledged income, we challenge more families and individuals to pledge and tithe for the first time or to restart your stewardship practices of past years.  Your joyful and grateful participation in our congregation's stewardship is vital to our congregation's future.  For our ministry is no longer a secret hidden in plain sight!
 
We hope and ask each one of us to help to continue building our momentum in ministry...today and for generations to come!
 
pledgeWhat is a pledge?  What is a tithe?
When you make a pledge, you promise to give a certain amount of money over the year.  You decide the amount that you can generously afford.  When you make a tithe, you promise to give a certain percentage of your income over the year.  You decide what that percentage should be.  The word tithe is historically used when pledging one tenth or more of your income.  The process of budgeting and planning for our church life together is deeply impacted by knowing what income we can expect.  Our financial health depends upon knowing what our resources are!
 
historyLIVING HISTORY
 
Do remember the creation of the state of Israel by the United Nations in 1947?  The Six Days War in 1967?  The Yom Kippur War in 1973?  The Camp David Peace Accords in 1978? The Oslo Peace Accords in 1993? The First and Second Intifada?  If you recall any part of this history over the last seventy years, already you've been an eyewitness to history. 
 
However, the reality of Israel and Palestine today is very much a living history.  In 2018, you are invited to become a participant in this living history through the Mosaic of Peace presented by the Presbyterian Peacemaking Program. 
This 12-day peacemaking conference from April 29-May 12 presents you with the unique opportunity to engage the layers of history as you step into the church of the Nativity in Bethlehem, stroll along the Sea of Galilee or walk around the Dome of the Rock in Jerusalem.  On the Mosaic of Peace, you'll meet the women and men who are shaping the future of the Holy Land for the next chapter of history.
 
Registration for the Mosaic of Peace ends on November 15.
 
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 -

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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: If Pilgrims were alive today, what would they be most famous for? Their age!)