January 11, 2019
Baptism of the Lord Sunday
Scripture - Luke 3:15-22
Message: “What do I want to give myself to?"
Ministry News and Upcoming Events
Duart Castle, Isle of Mull
SUNDAY - SPIRIT OF SCOTLAND INFORMATIONAL MEETING
The Spirit of Scotland, an eight-day guided tour exploring our sacred heritage, led by Pastor Lawrence in coordination with Rev. James Wallace (Church of Scotland). Ecumenical and welcoming, interested friends and neighboring congregations are invited to join us in May 2020 for this exciting spiritual journey.

Tour Informational Meetings: SUNDAY, January 13, at 11:30 a.m., and Thursday, January 24, at 6:30 p.m., in The Seminary.

Inquiries can be addressed to the following:
Rev. Lawrence Bartel, pastorlawrence@oxfordpresbychurch.org ; Ellen Buerk, ebuerk@hotmail.com , or Will Hazleton, hazletwa@miamioh.edu
Chariots of Fire – Coming Soon to Seminary Cinema
Would you like to travel during these winter months without leaving Oxford? Would you like to learn more how the stories portrayed in films are rooted in particular places and times? Then save the date for the first of our upcoming Seminary Cinema “Spirit of Scotland” film series.
 
The Academy Award winning film Chariots of Fire is a story of athletic triumph, deep faith and connection to Scotland. Join us on Sunday, January 27 in the Sanctuary of the Seminary Church for this film. This handicap accessible facility is located at the corner of Church and Poplar at 104 E. Church St.
 
Pre-film discussion begins at 3:30 p.m. Film starts at 4 p.m. FREE and OPEN to ALL!
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 TODAY, 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.”
January Retreat


Members and friends of Oxford Presbyterian Church, you are welcome to join new and returning trustees, deacons and elders for the annual retreat on Saturday, January 19th from 9:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. in the Seminary facility. In worship, study and conversation we will celebrate the Lord’s guidance in the past and present as we discern where the Spirit is leading our future ministry. 

If you are a member or friend of OPC and would like to participate in this retreat, simply let our pastoral staff know of your interest.
Annual Reports

This week pick up your copy of the 2018 Annual Report in preparation for the Annual Meeting of the Congregation following worship on January 20th. Prayerfully read the variety of reports how Christ has moved through the Oxford Presbyterian Church family over the last twelve months.
Annual Congregational Meeting of Oxford Presbyterian Church
Sunday, January 20th following worship.
Youth News



Our Youth Room had an upgrade! We’ve added a couch and it’s a great addition. At the last High School Youth Group meeting, the Youth were able to enjoy it during bible study with Pastor Marc, where we talked about Epiphany. Youth were separated into small groups to discuss a few questions.

The couch is one of the many additions that will be added to the Youth Room in the coming months, and we hope you’re just excited as we are to move forward with our Youth Program!
Updating our Picture Directory!
If you are new members and aren’t in the directory, if you missed having your picture taken last time, if you have had a life change, if you are a student affiliate, or just want a new picture …we’ve got you covered. We are updating our picture directory! Lifetouch photographers will be at the Seminary, Saturday, February 16th from 11:30 to 5:00. You can register for your appointment online now by going to https://booknow-lifetouch.appointment-plus.com/ykh4g8yx/ . MEF members will also be available to register you after worship on Jan. 20, 27, Feb. 3, and 10. Register soon, as we only have one day for photography sessions.

Please note that those of you currently in the directory do not need to have pictures taken again.
 
In addition to new and updated pictures, we will be able to add new information and make corrections to the current directory. If you have changes, please contact Bridgite Dickerson in the Church office at 523-6364. All those in the directory will get a new copy with the additions later this year.
Creating a Healthy Oxford Community
Have you been to a conference lately and now have a drawer full of fun little swag items?  Did you get four hundred and thirty seven free calendars in the mail?  Do you have more key chains than you have keys?  If you answered YES to even one of these questions, WE NEED YOUR HELP.  The local nursing home on Fairfield Road, Premier Estates of Oxford ,  is in need of prizes for their Bingo games.   Prizes can be anything from a calendar to a stress ball, small picture or fuzzy stuffed animal, comb or brush or lotion, etc. No food or candy since many residents are on special diets.  Mission and Outreach will have a donation box outside Bridgite’s office until February 10. Bingo games are frequent, so there is a continuing need and staff at the facility are truly appreciative of our donations, offering free hugs in return for the prizes.  Ask Nancy Moeckel,  moeckenj@miamioh.edu or 523-6003 if you have questions.
Mission in Russia
What is the reality of being a Christian in a former Communist country? How do Protestants express their faith in an overwhelmingly Orthodox country? You are invited to participate on a journey to Russia in July 2019 to answer these and many other questions with our sister church, the First Church in Zlatoust.
 
For more information, please contact Bill Fisher of the Mission and Outreach Committee. Interested in applying to be a member of this mission team? Then click on this link - https://goo.gl/forms/0pcSJPEKRkCoT09J2
Faith in Action
Oxford Presbyterian Church has been invited by the Presbyterian Church in Hamilton to join them on a mission trip for Hurricane Recovery from February 3-9. Designed for men, this mission trip will travel to the panhandle of Florida to help Dogwood Acres Presbyterian Camp recover from the devastation left by Hurricane Michael last October. These days will be “work” days at the camp, with some time built in for worship, devotion, and fun. The trip will cost $250 per person and your deposit of $75 is requested as soon as possible. Please see Pastor Lawrence for more information. 
A Joy to Report
The Christmas Joy Offering has been a cherished Presbyterian tradition since the 1930s. This year our congregation very generously gave $1586 to this offering that distributes gifts equally to the Assistance Program of the Board of Pensions and to Presbyterian-related racial ethnic schools and colleges.
 
The Assistance Program provides critical financial support to church workers and their families. Presbyterian-related schools and colleges provide education and leadership development while nurturing racial and ethnic heritage. This has been a commitment of Presbyterians for nearly 140 years. Thank you so much for your generosity!
Your Stewardship Matters
Giving is the antidote for selfishness.
- Dave Ramsey
Oxford Presbyterian Church | 101 N. Main Street, Oxford OH 45056