December 28, 2018
First Sunday after Christmas
Scripture: Luke 2:41-52
Message: "Catching Up to the Divine"

(Note on Image – as we move from the season of Advent into the season of Christmas, we continue to feature the photography from our mission journeys to Russia and Colombia. As we ponder the continuing story of Mary and Joseph as their young boy, Jesus, continues to grow, we remember families all around the world who bear the image of God and that we are all bound together as God’s one family on earth.)
Ministry News and Upcoming Events
A Christmas Gift to the Ministry of Oxford Presbyterian Church
This is the perfect season to give a special gift to support the ministry of Oxford Presbyterian Church this Christmas Season. Please feel free to use the pew envelopes for cash or checks. Also give via text or online https://onrealm.org/oxfordpresbychurch/Give  
 
Text giving is so quick!

Text opc1825 and (your designated amount) to 73256. For example, text "opc1825 25" to 73256 for an offering of $25.

Click the link you receive in your text message response.

Follow the prompts to give.

Text giving even saves your payment information, so you can quickly give again.
Numbered offering envelopes are in the Narthex.
Please pick them up if you requested them.
Backpack Program
Many children who receive free and reduced-price school meals are left without the nutrition they need on the weekends and holiday breaks. The BackPack Program, a partnership between St. Mary’s and the Shared Harvest Food Bank, aims to reduce this nutrition gap by discreetly supplying 175 students from Kramer, Bogan and Marshall schools with a bag of food each Friday throughout the school year.
 
The cost to sponsor one student for a year is $50, though any amount is welcome. Checks can be made to Oxford Presbyterian Church with “BackPack Food” in the memo line.
 
This is a Mission and Outreach Committee collaboration with St. Mary’s as we address local food insecurity. Any questions, please contact St. Mary’s at 523-2153.
Church Services at The Knolls
If you are unable to attend some of our church services on Sunday mornings, we have another option for you. Becky Quay shows recent church services on DVD at 10:00 A.M. on the 2nd and 4th Tuesdays of each month. In January, the dates are 8 and 22. Be advised there will likely be a room change that will be announced once it is confirmed. Will be somewhere in the Healthcare wing. If you would like to join us, but need a ride, just give Becky a call at 523-5747.
Tuesday Evening Circle
The Evening Circle is meeting January 8 at the home of Jane Baer, 131 E. Spring St., 523-5127. Sue Wilson is doing the program and Karen Simpson will do the devotion. Seeing Jane in her home is always a meaningful experience.

Anyone needing a ride should contact Karen Simpson, 523-8363, k.simpson2007@yahoo.com .
Tuesday Afternoon Circle
The Tuesday Afternoon Circle will meet on January 15 in the Country Kitchen at 1:30 p.m. Reservations for the optional noon lunch are due to Lynn Cronk by Friday, January 11. Pat Gifford will be leading the lesson; Karen Shearer will conduct the Least Coin and Lynn Cronk the Mission Yearbook. Visitors and guests are always welcome. 
 
Lesson Four is “God with Us When We Seek God”. The Opening Psalm states, “…for you, O Lord, have not forsaken those who seek you.”
Young Adult Volunteer Program
The Young Adult Volunteer (YAV) program of the PC(USA) is an ecumenical, faith-based year of service in sites around the world and across the United States. YAVs accompany local agencies working to address root causes of poverty and reconciliation while exploring the meaning and motivation of their faith.
 
Program benefits include a regular stipend, housing, all transportation costs covered and student-loan assistance during the year. For more info, please visit the FAQ tab at the top of the YAV homepage - https://www.presbyterianmission.org/ministries/yav/ 
Also, following @yavprogram is a great resource.
 
Young Adults are encouraged to prayerfully consider this life changing experience and keep the following dates in mind:
  • October 1st - Applications Open
  • January 1st -Round 1- (All sites available, early placement)
  • March 1st - Round 2 – (Final date to apply to international sites)
  • June 1st - Round 3 – (National sites only, limited spots available)
Fair Trade Coffee, Soups, Tea and Chocolate available.
See Prue Dana after worship service.
Your Stewardship Truly Matters Year after Year
Wisdom of years be yours
Joy of friendships be yours
Wealth of memories be yours
Fruit of memories be yours
Hope of heaven be yours
Peace of God be yours
- Traditional Celtic Blessing for a New Year
Oxford Presbyterian Church | 101 N. Main Street, Oxford OH 45056