First Press

an online newsletter

January 2022 edition

There's nothing quite like the post-holiday let down. The joy and exuberance of Advent and Christmastide - year after year - gives way to a melancholy of winter doldrum. As a child it was like my happy red balloon had just floated away as I looked toward another un-enthralling semester of school. There was nothing really to look forward to: my birthday was still months away, Valentine's Day was coming, but honestly, what little boy likes Valentine's Day? I stared out the window at the very cold and very not-snowy landscape and just felt...blah. But then, I remember lemons. No, not the lip-puckering effect they had. Rather, my mother, a longtime subscriber to Southern Living and Good Housekeeping and Heavens knows what else, routinely kept her newest copies of her subscriptions on the coffee table, and on the cover, there were always lemons.

After spending my first winter in New Orleans, I found there was a very logical reason for this: lemons hang in abundance on trees in more temperate climates in early January. But, too, I think that the vibrancy of lemons - their color and their taste - as our landscapes and our souls are a little more drab perks us all up a bit! They give us a little jolt of unexpected zing. They brighten the landscape just a little. Sometimes they make us wrinkle our noses and screw our faces into knots...just for a moment until the sour gives way to something almost pleasant.

So as we enter this new year, my hope for everyone is that when life gives you lemons, accept them. Let them brighten your room. Let them add zing to your day. And sometimes let them make you wrinkle your nose, screw up your face into a knot, and give way to something pleasant. There is much to look forward to as we turn the calendar over to 2022, and I'm thrilled to be spending it alongside each on of you.

Happy New Year!

Barrett

In all of the excitement of Advent and Christmas, it is easy to lose

track of Epiphany. This wonderful day marks the arrival of the

Three Wise Men, or the Magi, to Bethlehem to acknowledge the

birth of Christ.

This story in the Gospel of Matthew is full of intrigue. The Magi,

representing the Gentile people of the world to whom Christ's

work will reach, make their way to the birthplace of Christ. They

reasonably expected that the leader of the Jewish people, at this

time the King Herod who was allied with the Roman authorities,

would know how to find him. Herod uses this opportunity to try to

find this presumptive challenger to his throne, and the Wise Men,

after visiting, decide to find their way home another way.

Famously, the Magi offer Jesus three gifts: gold, frankincense and

myrrh. This has been an area of excited analysis by theologians

and clergy for centuries. Since gold is a gift of value, frankincense

an expensive perfume, and myrrh an anointing substance for

royalty, they could be simply meant as homage to a king. Origen

argues that only the gold is for the king; myrrh is meant for

Christ's mortal nature and the incense for his divine nature.

Finally, some have theorized that the frankincense recognizes

Christ as high priest, and myrrh symbolizes death – and is used

at Christ's burial by Joseph of Arimathea.

I only mention all of these things because Epiphany deserves its

own special attention and not to be lost in the shuffle of Christmas

and New Year. On Epiphany we remember that Christ was

recognized as King by people from all over the world, which

indicates the scope of his message and the extent of our

siblinghood with all nations. The example of the Magi is useful

because it outlines what we are meant to do when we approach

the Messiah: provide appropriate gifts.

For each of us this gift will be different, based on where we are in

our lives, our own abilities and merits, and our own shortcomings

and flaws. No matter what, though, to recognize Christ as

messiah is to recognize our proper role in relation to him. We

have to bring him our gifts as we are able – and he will be

honored and glorified by them because they are the gifts of our

true self.

Peace,

Deb

Session Summary

  FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH - OXFORD, MISSISSIPPI

MINUTES OF THE STATED SESSION MEETING

December 13, 2021

Consent Agenda: 

1. None

Ministry Team Check-in 

• Finance –

1. YTD date reports were shared electronically. 
2. Elder Susan Abbott shared a pledge report. One hundred and eighteen pledges have been received thus far. Francis will be following up with outstanding pledges.
3. Work on the budget for 2022 has begun.

• Property –  

1. The team has estimates for a comprehensive list of repairs and is awaiting budgeting before moving forward. Nabors funds will likely be used for those expenses. The Nabors funds are in mutual funds.
2. Wood from old tree needs to be processed soon.
3. Site plan, irrigation and tree costs are being prepared and will be presented to the congregation

• Adult Faith Formation –

1. Elder Allison Ashmore shared that a draft plan has been executed for January to Easter. A congregational book study will be offered in January followed by another in March. Adult Sunday School classes will resume January 9th.
2. Parents of Sunday School aged children are encouraged to join the Pastor led Sunday school group. Preparation is not required and drop-ins are welcome.

• Children & Youth Faith Formation –

1. Elder Kathryn Elliott reported that the Advent activities have been a huge success. Plans for the upcoming confirmation class are in process. Christmas tree sales went smoothly and quickly.
2. Confirmation classes will begin in February for 8th and 9th grades.

• Membership & Hospitality –

1. Elder Drew Mauldin reported that FPC youth participated with the Methodist church in a Christmas block party
2. Sunday, December 19 is cookies and caroling.

• Mission – Elder Greg Patton reported.

1. Volunteers are being recruited to serve for LeapFrog snacks on Tuesdays. This ministry will continue into the new year.
2. Lovepacks donations will continue to be accepted at the church office.
3. Doors of Hope Step 2 dinner will take place at FPC on 12/14/2021.
4. Community food distributions are taking place monthly in conjunction with First United Methodist Church. Reach out to the Hispanic community has taken place and the food distribution will include those new families.
5. Other mission interest conversations are ongoing with regard to: Presbyterian Disaster
6. Assistance for hurricane and tornado victims and the possibility of sponsoring an Afghan family.
7. The Hattian medical clinic is able to operate and the clean water system is also functioning as designed

• Personnel – Elder Goodloe Lewis stated that the personnel team is looking to fill the secretarial and social media position. The personnel team is recommending that on a part time basis Carrie Milner and Jessica Holder temporarily fill in the assist with the office tasks.
• Movant, Elder Goodloe Lewis – the Personnel Ministry team recommends the temporary hire of Jessica Holder and Carrie Milner to assist in office work until a permanent candidate can be hired. Motion is approved
• Worship -- Advent events have been planned. New Elders and Deacons will be installed in January. A new member class is being formed. Reinstatement of an early service was discussed.
• Deacon’s report – no report

Old Business

1. Covid 19 Policies - current policy of a mask recommendation will remain in place.

New Business -

1. a gathering for outgoing and incoming Elders and Deacons will beheld January 9th .

General Announcements: Next stated session meeting will be January 10^th at 5:30pm.  

Financial Summary

Stewardship 2022

As we enter this new year, the Budget and Finance Team is asking for anyone who has not returned a pledge card for 2022 to please consider participating in this year's campaign! There is much renewed energy and excitement rumbling within our church community; however, it is only with your generous support that this wonderful energy can continue!

In this season, may we continue to reflect upon and give thanks to God for the many blessings we enjoy. May we also give thanks for the promise of God's ever-present Spirit—forever loving, nurturing, inspiring, and calling our church family forward. And may we all embrace God's invitation to be good stewards of the many blessings we have received by God's grace and to recommit ourselves to sharing those gifts with God's world with glad and joyful hearts!   

All are invited to pledge your commitment to by:

• returning the pledge card and Time and Talent survey that you received in the mail
• going to FPC, Oxford's website HERE and confidentially and securely submitting your commitment there, or
• contacting Frances Saralvarez, Financial Secretary, at the church office with your pledge information.  

We thank you for your abundant generosity!

Worship

If you can't join us in person, join us for worship on Sunday mornings 10:55 am on Facebook Live. The video will go live on the church's public Facebook group. If you do not have a Facebook account, a message will pop up asking if you wish to join. Simply click, "not now" at the bottom of that message and it will go away. You may then enjoy the video as it plays live. 

Sanctuary floral arrangement dates are available January 2, 16, 23, and 30. To provide flowers in honor or in memory of a loved one, contact Susan Joyner at joiner2908@gmail.com or call 662-808-3240. Contributions to the Flower Fund are greatly appreciated.

Lectionary texts for January

January 2: Jeremiah 31:7-14, Psalm 147:12-20, Ephesians 1:3-14, John 1:1-18

January 9: Isaiah 43:1-7, Psalm 29, Acts 8:14-17, Luke 3:15-17, 21-22

January 16: Isaiah 62:1-5, Psalm 36:5-10, 1 Corinthian 12:1-11, John 2:1-11

January 23: Nehemiah 8:1-3, 5-6, 8-10, Psalm 19, 1 Corinthian 12:12-31a, Luke 4:14-21

January 30: Jeremiah 1:4-10, Psalm 71:1-6, 1 Corinthian 13:1-13, Luke 4:21-30

Remember in Prayer

FPC Members: J.T. & Barbara Davis; Tommy Patrick; Marianna Ochs; Family of Lynton Dilley; Max Williams; Louise & Nolan Waller; Porter Callery; Teresa Flautt; Lydia Moak; Susan & Tom Meredith; Michele Howie; Margaret Fancher; Family of Betty Mullen White; Joe Murphey

Family and Friends: Lenoir Stanley; Family of Lauren "Lo" Chastain; Peter C. Wood; Doors of Hope Families; Bob Flautt; Family of Elise & William Winter; Parchman Prison inmates; Haven House residents; Our Haiti partners; Oxford & Lafayette County First Responders; Community leaders

Please pray, too, for those with unspecified needs.

If you wish to have a name removed or added to this list, please contact the church office.

The FPC prayer chain is ready if you or someone you know is in need. This is a confidential list that is independent from the names listed above. Please contact Carlisle Wood at carlislewood@gmail.com or 662-832-8606. All requests are held in strict confidence.

Anyone interested in an FPC member directory can call the church office at 234-1757. One will be printed for you.

Adult Faith Formation

Congregational Adult Sunday School, 9:45 a.m.

Beginning, Sunday, January 9th, join us in the Fellowship Hall for an informal discussion on the lectionary passages for the day. All you need to bring is your curious mind, open heart, and a willingness to delve into what the scriptures might have for us. No preparation required, and you can drop in any given Sunday without losing the thread. If you’ve got a favorite translation of the Bible, bring it. If not, don’t worry. We’ll have fun and learn from each other as listen for the Spirit in each other’s voices.

Ongoing Sunday School Offerings

Women of Faith: Led by Ann DeVoe (meets in Fellowship Hall)

Men’s Class 1: Led by Hale Freeland (meets in the 2nd floor Conference Room)

Men’s Class 2: Led by Trey Byers (meets in the Annex Building)

Adult Faith Formation is offering Bibles and Brews again beginning in January! Bibles and Brews is open to any adult. We plan to meet on the 1st and 3rd Wednesdays of each month through the spring semester. We will gather at The Growler beginning at 4:30 pm for a time of fellowship, Bible study and engaging conversation. Please join us this Wednesday, January 5, at 4:30! For more information, please contact Allyson Ashmore at allyson@camphopewell.com or 662-816-8544.

Mission

Oxford First United Methodist Church and FPC are planning a five week seminar for a dialog in racial healing this spring. Approximately ten members from each congregation will meet weekly to faithfully explore together what it means to be a more whole and united community in Christ. The seminar will be led by Dr. Cade Smith, the University's Assistant Vice-Chancellor for Community Engagement. For more information, click HERE. If you would like to volunteer to participate in the seminar or have questions, please email missionteam@fpcoxford.net or call the church office. Thank you for your prayerful consideration.

OFUMC Food Distribution

On December 22nd members of FPC assisted the congregation Oxford First United Methodist Church in their monthly food distribution. Over 250 families were served. Members of the Hispanic community who are in need were also notified of the distribution through the Oxford and Lafayette school districts. Many of the clients receiving food expressed their deep and sincere gratitude, particularly three days before Christmas. Stay tuned for the date of the January distribution. If you are available, please consider offering a hand. 

The Family Crisis Services of Northwest Mississippi is a comprehensive victim services organization. It is the only nonprofit in Oxford that specifically addresses and provides services to victims of interpersonal violence--sexual assault, domestic violence, homicide, etc. Staff and volunteers are available 24/7 to provide crisis intervention services. Recently, Family Crisis Services experienced a $200,000 cut in federal funding. Six staff members, including their intervention child psychologist, were laid off. Interested in helping? Current needs include monetary donations, cleaning supplies, basic office supplies, paper toiletries, and new stuffed animals for each child that the facility receives. If you would like to donate any of these supplies, please drop them by the church office. More information is available at oxfordadvocacy.org or call 234-9929.

Western Kentucky Tornadoes

Following the devastating tornadoes in western Kentucky last month, St. Andrew Presbytery immediately established a relief fund. FPC donated $5,000 to the effort, with a $1,000 contribution coming from the VIP group. By receiving money at the Presbytery level, we hope to remain nimble as possible as needs evolve and the long-term recovery picture becomes clearer. Thank you to those who have already contributed to the fund. If you are interested in giving, mail your contribution to Presbytery of St. Andrew, 24 County Road 231, Oxford, MS, 38655 with "tornado relief" in the memo line. 

The FPC Mission Team is currently investigating opportunities for a group of volunteers from our congregation to go to Kentucky in the coming months to directly assist in the recovery effort.

We would like to thank Kathleen Mayo and Cade Smith for hosting the December Doors of Hope Step 2 Dinner in the fellowship hall. Approximately 24 parents and their children were served. To celebrate the season, Billy and Julie Chadwick led the group singing Christmas carols. Large fun! Doors of Hope is an outreach program officed in the FPC education building. DOH makes available to single parents with young children temporary housing support, budget management, and other life skills training. This Step 2 Dinner is a monthly gathering for current clients to sit at table with successful alumni of the program. If you would like to volunteer to host a DOH dinner, email missionteam@fpcoxford.net or contact the church office. 

We also thank the FPC members who sponsored a DOH family for Christmas. The gifts you provided to these 12 families were likely the only ones they received. Thank you for your generosity and support. The parents and their children are deeply grateful.

Leap Frog Program is a non-profit after-school literacy and tutoring program serving at-risk students in Oxford and Lafayette County. FPC is committed to providing snacks for the sixty students enrolled in the program. We thank the Carol Barr Circle for their active participation in this ministry. The 'healthy' snack consists of juice and a finger food such as fruit, peanut butter crackers, etc. For more information or to sign up please email Patty Abbott, peaccc-slp@sbcglobal.net. This could be your mission!

Etcetera...

Presbyterian Women Officers for 2021-2022

Kathryn Elliott - Co-Moderator

Caroline McIntosh - Co-Moderator

Lisa Tollison - Vice-Moderator

Whitney Bolen - Secretary

Margaret Fancher - Treasurer

Marianna Ochs - Historian

Thank you for your willingness to serve FPC in this way!

News from the Pews

Honorariums & Memorials

~ With gratitude for contributions to First Presbyterian Church ~

In memory of:

Babe Carr

Dr. & Mrs. Max Williams

Lynton Dilley

Hale & Cynthia Freeland

Steve & Martha Mauldin

Greg Patton

Jean Shaw

Dr. & Mrs. Max Williams

Fannie Elliott

Mack & Dorothy King Aldridge

Linda Partridge

Mack & Dorothy King Aldridge

In honor of:

FPC Music Ministry

Monte & Joyce Gibbs

Upcoming Birthdays & Anniversaries

January Birthdays:

1 Frances Crawford, Edna Wright

2 Kathryn Hill, Steve Mauldin, Aaron Barrett, Jody Scrugs, Kerry Wigginton

3 Stacy Cascio

4 Francis Webb

5 Barbara Davis

6 Nancy Giles

7 Lynn Treas, Maribel Sulllivan-Gonzalez, Lindsey Baquie, Anna Presley Harris

8 Chuck Kenwright, Cade Smith

9 Ney Williams, Ney Biedenharn, Lucille Holder

10 Lu Ann Smith

12 Donald Felts

13 Lauren Seale Hartwell, Melba Bowlin, Samuel Cribbs, Suzan Deloach

15 Caroline McIntosh

16 Hal Haney

17 Ann O'Dell, Samuel Shannon, Toni Joyner

18 Sally Hines, Catherine Servati

19 Becky Murphy

20 Peter Kondos, Suzy Phillips, Nolan Franklin

21 Ed Holcomb, Avery Atkinson, John Crawford, Shelby Goza, Carl Davis

22 Rachel Sahlein, Anita Drury

23 Geroge Sherman

24 Alli Hayward, David Coon, Pick Scruggs, Cyndi Kersey, Emory Barrios

25 Pat Lowe, Jay Chain

26 Patsy Eads, Jeffrey Hollis, Graham Staines, Mark Atkinson

27 Mary Edith Walker, Monroe Alexander, Charles McClatchy, Henry Tanner

28 Thelma Curry, Amy Wilkes

30 Wade Simpson

31 Rob Howell, Pratt Wilkinson

January Anniversaries:

1 Charles & Katherine Roos

8 Warner & Lilly Biedenharn

14 John & Linda Scarbrough

16 Ney & Dana Williams

22 Cliff & Sarah Smith

24 Dean & Yung Chow

27 McCay & Jenny Luster

30 Darren & Allyson Ashmore

Your Church Staff

The Congregation

The ministers

Rev. Barrett C. Milner

Senior Pastor

Rev. Deb de Boer

Interim Associate Pastor

Rev. Allison C. Wehrung

Pastor, UKirk Ministry

Creighton R. Holder

Director of Music

Frances Saralvarez

Office Administrator

LaShaunda Sisk

Nursery Director

D. Wade Simpson

Property Manager