The Voice from Church and Main

October 12, 2018

Twenty-First Sunday after Pentecost

Scripture: Acts 16:9-15

Message: “The World Around Us: When Nothing Else Really Matters”

(Image: The traditional site of Lydia’s baptism just outside of Philippi.)

Ministry News and Upcoming Events

Rummage Sale

Come and Shop at the Seminary . Lots of Bargains! Our Rummage sale continues today from 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. and Saturday Bag Sale 10:00 a.m. - Noon.

Please support our Missions.

Please stop by to shop and to say hello. We have an assortment of wonderful things.

Please spread the word and be prepared to buy.

Marc van Bulck, Associate Pastor Candidate

We are delighted to share that at last Sunday’s congregational meeting, members of Oxford Presbyterian Church elected Marcel Allen van Bulck to serve as our new Associate Pastor for Family Ministry and Campus Ministry.

After graduating from Columbia Theological Seminary, Marc worked as a Director of Youth Ministries at churches in Jacksonville, Florida and Bentonville, Arkansas. For the past five years, he has served as the solo pastor at Seville (Ohio) Presbyterian Church. Throughout his ministry, he has been a keynote speaker at numerous presbytery and youth conferences. Marc’s first Sunday with OPC will be the first Sunday of Advent – truly a time of new beginnings.

We are thrilled about the incredible gifts and experience Marc brings to our growing Family Ministry and new Campus Ministry. We can’t wait for him to join in the vibrant life of our congregation!

Hurricane Michael – Presbyterian Disaster Assistance

Thank you for your generous response to the Peace & Global Witness Offering gathered on World Communion Sunday. As we proactively seek to share the peace of Christ in this world, we also faithfully respond to the storms that have devastated communities in this country and around the globe.

Presbyterian Disaster Assistance (PDA) is responding to Hurricane Michael. Before the destructive Category 4 Hurricane made landfall, PDA reached out to the presbyteries in the path of the storm to offer resources and prayers. PDA has deployed National Response Team members to assist Presbyterian and community leadership in developing short-term response plans and provide a ministry of presence.

To support recovery efforts in the wake of Hurricane Michael, click here ( https://pma.pcusa.org/donate/make-a-gift/gift-info/DR000194/ ).

You’ll be taken to the PC(USA) website to donate securely and quickly.

God of our life, whose presence sustains us in every circumstance, in the aftermath of storm and distress, we welcome the restoring power of your love and compassion. Amen.

Become a Member of Our OPC Family

We welcome all interested people to explore membership at the Oxford Presbyterian Church!! To find out more about the Presbyterian Church and specifically the Oxford congregation, join Pastor Lawrence for a series of Inquirer’s Classes Sunday, October 14 and 21 at 11:30 a.m. in the Associate Pastor’s Office.

OPW Fall Gathering

Sunday, October 14, beginning at 5:30 p.m. in the Seminary Church - Greg Hughes, Angela Trubceac, Janet Ziegler and Pastor Lawrence will share experiences from the 2018 Mosaic of Peace Conference. Their focus for this event will be how Israelis and Palestinians, specifically women, are engaged in creative and community-based peace initiatives. We are opening the doors wide for everyone, men and women, youth and elders are invited to join in. Plan on bringing your best potluck chow to share!

Tuesday Afternoon Circle

The Tuesday Afternoon Circle will meet on October 16 at 1:30 p.m. in the Country Kitchen at the Knolls. We welcome new members and visitors.

Deacons Blood Drive

Oxford Presbyterian Church Blood Drive at McCullough-Hyde Memorial Hospital.

Location: Blood Mobile - Wednesday, October 17

9:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Appointments Encouraged.

Sponsor Code #324

The World Around Us

The World Around Us: You’re invited to our second Mini-Festival on Wednesday, October 17 in the Seminary (104 E. Church St) from 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. Featured Presentations: Camino de Santiago (Elliott Jones Boyle) and Blake Collins from the PC(USA) Young Adult Volunteer (YAV) program. All ages welcome!

Creating a Healthy Oxford Community

Collegiate Chorale and Men's Glee Club

Fall concert

Friday, October 19 at 7:30 p.m.

Miami's Hall Auditorium.

The Chorale and Glee Club will be singing a wide variety of songs ranging from traditional spirituals to Native American music.

Tickets are $10 for adults and $7 for students and seniors. To purchase tickets online use the link provided: MiamiOH.edu/boxoffice

Rise Against Hunger

Rise Against Hunger: Sunday marks the beginning of the Global Food Week of Action. Be part of the worldwide movement to alleviate food insecurity by serving in the Rise Against Hunger - October 21 from 2:00-4:00 p.m. at the Seminary Church.

We are approaching our volunteer goal, yet we still need you. Sign up at http://events.stophungernow.org/OxfordPres2018 . You may also support by going to this same link and making a financial contribution online, you may write a check to OPC with "Rise Against Hunger" in the note-field, or place cash in a pew envelope and designating it for "Rise Against Hunger".

There is an excellent video about Rise Against Hunger at the bottom of the website where you may register.

Impact the world - today and tomorrow - with just two hours of your time.

Heritage Sunday

Your brothers & sisters in Christ of the Oxford Presbyterian Church request the honor of your presence as we celebrate a special Heritage Sunday on October 28. The celebration will begin with a Worship Service at 10 A.M. in the Memorial building after which we will be led by a bagpiper to the Seminary building. Please join us. Children and youth are invited to participate in a special recognition of 50+ year members. We ask that the children and youth arrive in the Memorial Church at 9:20 a.m. on Oct. 28 to learn and rehearse their roles.