September 13, 2019
Fourteenth Sunday after Pentecost

In preparation for worship,
we encourage you to read the Scripture passage
and reflect on what God’s word might be to you.
Scripture: Luke 15:10
Sermon: "Is That You, God?"

(Note on image: see September Stewardship Focus on Christian Education )
Ministry News and Upcoming Events
September Stewardship Focus – Christian Education
Ministry and mission at Oxford Presbyterian Church takes on so many forms as we answer Christ's call in our community, nation and world.

The Fall Youth Kickoff was a rousing success! Many of our youth (and a few of their parents) splashed around in the Lykins's swimming pool, ate pizza, and a had a terrific evening of fun and fellowship. What a great way to start the new school year!

Thanks to Pastor Marc, our generous members, and the great young people of our church for a memorable evening.
Creating a Healthy Oxford Community
First Annual Multi-Faith Film Festival
Sponsored by local faith communities

To be  multifaith  is to feel an affinity
with aspects of more than one religion,
philosophy or world-view, and perhaps
to believe that no one is superior to the others. 

 A meal of homemade soup and bread, movie and conversation about Buddhist, Muslim, Jewish and Christian faith. Free and open to the public.

Saturday September 14, 6 pm.  Islam
Holy Trinity Episcopal Church ~ Undercroft 25 East Walnut St.
(corner of E. Walnut and S. Poplar St.)

“Malcolm X” (1992). Biographical epic of the Black Nationalist leader from his early criminal career and incarceration and his conversion and ministry as a member of the Nation of Islam and later of mainstream Islam. Starring Denzel Washington.
OPC Seminary Cinema - Fall 2019 Screening Events
Spirituality in films you might not otherwise have the chance to see

  • Sunday, September 15 – Lars and the Real Girl (PG-13)
  • Sunday, October 6 – First Reformed (R)
  • Sunday, November 24 – They Shall Not Grow Old (R)

FREE and OPEN to ALL!
3:30 p.m. – Pre-film Discussion
4:00 p.m. – Film

Each event in the Sanctuary of the Seminary Church at 104 E. Church St.
(corner of Church and Poplar)
A dult C hristian E ducation / Myrtle Collaboration
Have you ever asked yourself, “What’s the meaning of my life and my work?”

Do you feel pulled in multiple directions---work, family, and other commitments?

Are you wondering where God might be leading you next?

Are you curious as to where God might be leading your church family
and how you can be a part of the journey?

Join friends at Oxford Presbyterian Church as we explore these questions and more in Called to Life!, a six-week, small group study, sponsored by the Myrtle Collaboration and Adult Christian Education. Last chance to Register after worship Sunday, Sept. 15!

  • Sunday after worship: 11:30-1:00 in the Geneva Room upstairs. Dates: 9/15, 9/22, 9/29, 10/6, 10/13, 10/20. Facilitators: Juan Carlos Albarran, John Bailer
  • Monday morning: 10:00-11:30 at The Knolls Country Kitchen. Dates: 9/16, 9/23, 9/30, 10/7, 10/14, 10/21. Facilitators: Joy Russell, Billie Maynard
  • Monday evening: 6:30-8:00 at Judy Fisher’s home. Dates: 9/16, 9/23, 9/30, 10/7, 10/14, 10/21. Facilitators: Judy Fisher, Carol Schaber
  • Thursday morning: 10:00-11:30 at Susan and Bill King’s home. Dates: 9/19, 9/26, 10/3, 10/10, 10/17, 10/24. Facilitators: Susan King, Bill King
  • Thursday evening: 5:30- 7:00 in the Molyneaux. Dates: 9/19, 9/26, 10/3, 10/10, 10/17, 10/24. Facilitators: Bill Fisher, Carla Blackmar-Rice

If you can’t make one of your group sessions, you are welcome to join another that week. Participant’s Guides will be available Sunday, September 8 following worship, please pick one up to help prepare for the first gathering.

If you are unable to attend a small group discussion, or prefer self-study, you may use the Participant’s Guides on your own. Questions from the study will also be posted on the OPC Facebook page.
Tuesday Afternoon Circle
The Afternoon  Circle  will kick-off the year by having Rev. Marc van Bulck lead the group with the first lesson “Words of Love: I Am Your God; You Shall Have No Others” in the Country Kitchen at the Knolls at 1:30 p.m. on Tuesday September 17. An optional lunch for $8 is available at noon in the cafe by making reservations with Rosemary Fisher TODAY - Friday, September 13 at 524-7748. New members and guests are always welcome. For further information call Lynn Cronk at 524-8574.
Administrative Assistant's Vacation
Bridgite Dickerson, our Office Administrator, will be on vacation beginning Monday, September 23rd until Friday, September 27th. Worship bulletins for Sunday, September 22nd and September 29th will be prepared on Tuesday, September 17th.  Please turn in all announcements for Sunday bulletins and Friday's Voice articles (Sept. 20th and 27th) by 2:00 pm on Wednesday, September 18th.

Joni Marcum will be covering the office during regular hours Monday - Friday, 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Miami Valley Interfaith Disaster Resilience Summit
BEFORE THE NEXT THING HAPPENS…

An Open Invitation to 
All Faith-Based Organizations and Houses of Worship to Share, Learn, and Connect 

Salem Church of God 
6500 Southway Road, Clayton, OH 45315
Tuesday, September 24th, 2019
10 AM - 1 PM | Lunch will be served 

(Gluten Free & Vegetarian options will be offered.
Suggested $5 donation for lunch.) 

We all bring a wide variety of talents, gifts, and level of readiness to our community in the time of need…but when there is a lack of coordination among our faith-based groups we risk being inefficient or duplicative with our efforts.

In recognition of September being National Preparedness Month and by coming together “before the next thing happens”, we hope to develop a framework that can create a faith community that is ready, willing, and able to communicate and collaborate with one another and the community at large. 

SHARE – Come and share your group’s experience as it relates to the Miami Valley Memorial Day 2019 tornadoes – response and recovery efforts, successes, challenges faced, and meaningful experiences. 

LEARN – Come and learn new and helpful information around the idea of preparedness and resilience building.  

CONNECT – Meet and talk with others who are also involved in the recovery. Are there lessons your organization has learned that could be helpful to others?  

RSVP Requested by September 17, 2019 

RSVP here

Suggested limit of 2-3 persons per organization in attendance.
OPC Book Club
Nearly two years ago, members of OPC read “Waking Up White” by Debby Irving. Starting in September, members will begin meeting monthly to discuss books with social justice themes.  All are welcome including youth who are reading along with their parents. The initial books selected include  Accidental Saints (September),   Just Mercy (October),   Love Undocumented (November),  and Inspired (December / January). 

We hope you will read along and join us for discussion over brown-bag dinners (bring your own dinner). This group is open to everyone and anyone who would like to participate!

Our first meeting will be Wednesday, September 25th at 6:00 pm in the Molyneaux Lounge.  Accidental Saints   by Nadia Bolz-Weber can be found at the Oxford Lane Library or on Amazon (~$8). For more information, contact Carrie Ann Sharitt at shartica@miamioh.edu   
Crop Walk
The annual Crop Walk for hunger will soon be here! This year’s event will take place on Saturday, September 28, beginning at 11 a.m. at the Uptown Park.

The Crop Hunger Walk is a community and Miami University fundraising event that will help to end hunger throughout the world. Although the walk is a Greek Week event, it is important for Oxford, in that 25% of the proceeds go to TOPSS, our local food pantry. You can register online if you want to walk (or run) and ask friends to support you. Register here . For more information, see Prue Dana in the Narthex Sunday following worship.
OPW Fall/Thank Offering Gathering (Theme: Russia Mission Trip)
Mark Your Calendar Now. Don’t miss out on this opportunity! On Sunday, September 29 OPW invites YOU to a time of thanks and sharing. At a potluck lunch in the Seminary Community room, right after worship, we’ll show our gratitude via the annual Presbyterian Women’s Thank Offering. Received in the fall each year, it gives women a tangible way to express their appreciation for the special blessings in their lives

Then, at tables, we’ll have the 5 Russia Mission Trip Team members, Pastor Lawrence, Ginny Layton, Karen Shearer, Robert Smith and Nancy Wilson as our guests. They’ll tell you about their experiences and answer your questions. They are eager to share the joy and appreciation our Russian Sister Church members feel and show, even without enough room in their sanctuary or even indoor plumbing in their church. Put something in a pot to share and come be part of this event!
You can't stop us now, we're on a mission!
Save the Date - Mission and Outreach Hunger Event
2019 World Food Week of Action
Impact the World – Today and Tomorrow –
with Just Two Hours of Your Time!

An estimated 925 million people globally will go hungry today. You are able to change that reality. During the 2019 World Food Week of Action, join your hands and heart with dozens of others to bring nutritious food to children and families around the world.

Volunteers from across the campus and community will come together for the Kids Coalition Against Hunger. Our goal is to package 15,000 nonperishable meals critical to school children, youth and families in our community and around the world. All are invited to join us!

Kids Coalition Against Hunger Event
Sunday, October 20, 2:00 - 4:00 p.m. (clean-up to follow).
Oxford Presbyterian Church - Seminary Community Room. All are invited to join us!

Register here .
Seeking Those with Leadership Gifts
Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; and there are varieties of services, but the same Lord.
1 Corinthians 12:4
 
Do you know someone with gifts for leadership and ministry? Consider recommending those members of Oxford Presbyterian Church whom you feel have demonstrated gifts for leadership and a commitment to the life and ministry of this congregation.
 
Recommendations for the offices of Ruling Elder, Deacon, and Trustee may be made online ( Nomination of Church Officers ). Printed brochures will be in our Sunday bulletin and available throughout the church.
 
The election of church officers is at the heart of what it means to be Presbyterian. The Nominating Committee greatly appreciates your insight in helping them gather names this week as they prayerfully engage this exciting time of discernment.
October Newsletter

Don't miss the deadline!
Please submit all articles to moeckenj@miamioh.edu
by Friday, September 20
Nancy Moeckel, editor
Living into Hope
God speaks to us through the language of everyday events. 
Each new moment of life, each new situation, 
the present condition of a person or community, 
of events, time, place, people, and circumstances 
- all hold clues to God's call. 
Thus we often find our calls in the facts, circumstances, 
and concrete experiences of daily life.
- Suzanne G. Farnham
Oxford Presbyterian Church | 101 N. Main Street, Oxford OH 45056