First Press

An online newsletter

October 2022 edition

A few weeks ago, as the lingering and searing temperatures of summer’s grasp held firm (and my patience wore thin), I found the animated map showing fall leaf color projections circulated by the fine folk at NPR to be a blissful and welcomed distraction.  The map of foliage patterns across the United States, initially produced by SmokingMountains.com, was dubbed “the ultimate visual planning guide to the annual progressive changing of leaves,” and it was a joy to behold!  With the cursor of my mouse hovering above that calendar on my screen, I marveled at the image’s changing color scheme.  And I found my imagination enlivened again with dreams of cooler days, jackets donned, wood fires crackling, and gurgling pots of homemade chili that accompany the yearly transformation of the forest canopy from deep greens to that stunning array of orange, yellow, and red.  (And for those interested in finding the best opportunity to catch the peak color of fall’s foliage here in our neck-of-the-woods, be sure to wander outside and to look into the branches above from November 7-14!) 

Just as assuredly as seasons come and go (and come round again) and a tree’s leaves provide the breathtaking visual cues that change has come and something new is afoot, such is the same with the movement and recreation of God’s Spirit in the life of the church.  And, in particular, amid our life together as a family of faith here at First Presbyterian Church, Oxford.  So as I observe and muse the current season of our life and ministry together, I am enthused with hope, and my heart is full because newness, transformation, growth, and togetherness are among the things I see in abundance!  

With the revisioning of our Sunday morning gatherings, more and more are worshipping each week, and first-timers to our community are finding loving welcome and now calling this church their “home.”  New opportunities for adult faith formation and fellowship are re-engaging the faithful members of yesteryear and making space for new friends to learn from us as we learn from them.  Thoughtful programming for our children and youth, led by our new Director of Faith Formation, Dave Garvey, is underway, garnering support and renewed enthusiasm, and life-long connections and deepening faith are budding.  An Associate Pastor Nominating Committee is prayerfully and joyously engaged in discerning who God is calling to join the incredibly gifted, dedicated, and servant-hearted team that is serving faithfully at present and looking to the future with hopeful anticipation.  

Good and hopeful change and transformation are happening in this special place.  Something exciting, meaningful, and new is happening here in our midst.  

With hope,

Barrett

In Person Worship: 9:00 am & 11:00 am 

If you can't join us in person, join us for worship on Sunday mornings at 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. Click here for the link to Facebook live

Online worshipers may now find the weekly bulletin on the church's website under the Online Worship page. Click here for the Online Worship page, then click the link titled "Weekly Bulletin."

The Lectionary Texts of October

October 2: Lamentations 1:1-6, 3:19-26; Psalm 137:1-9; II Timothy 1:1-14; Luke 17:5-10

October 9: Jeremiah 29:1, 4-7; Psalm 66:1-12; II Timothy 2:8-15; Luke 17:11-19

October 16: Jeremiah 31:27-34; Psalm 119:97-104; II Timothy 3:14-4:5, Luke 18:1-8

October 23: Joel 2:23-32; Psalm 65:1-13; II Timothy 4:6-8, 16-18; Luke 18:9-14

October 30: Habakkuk 1:1-4, 2:1-4; Psalm 119:137-144;

II Thessalonians 1:1-4, 11-12; Luke 19:1-10

Sanctuary Floral Arrangement available dates are October 23 and November 6, 13, and 20. To provide flowers in honor or in memory of a loved one, contact Margaret Fancher at fancherm@bellsouth.net or call 

662-234-1359, Contributions to the Flower Fund are greatly appreciated. Two couples or individuals can also share the responsibility and the cost.

Remember in Prayer 

FPC Members: Jean Blackston; Leon McCullouch; Family of John Edge, Family of Joe Murphey; Jane Henderson; Family of Dr. Bobby Kennedy; Michael Abraham; Doug & Margaret Fancher; Family of Jeffrey Butler; Thomas Wade Simpson; Family of Nolan Waller, Family of Helen Scruggs, Family of Janet Barnes; Family of Ann Caroline McIntosh; Family of J.T. Davis; Tommy Patrick; Marianna Ochs; Family of Lynton Dilley; Max Williams; Teresa Flautt; Lydia Moak; Michele Howie; Family of Betty Mullen White

Family and Friends: Family of Helen Nielson; Family of Millie Meaders; Family of Shirley Bragg Donnelly; James Chavers; Kathy Bremer; Susan Treas-Ewing; Nancy McPhail; Charlyn Wilson; Family of Thomas Mayo; Family of George Walker; Family of Gloria Smith Griffith; Valentina Iepuri and Ukraine family; Charissa Johnson; Sarah Luchin and Family; Sigrid Morrison Long; Connie Whelan; Lenoir Stanley; Doors of Hope Families; Bob Flautt; Lafayette County Detention Center inmates; Parchman Prison inmates; Haven House residents; Our Haiti partners; Oxford & Lafayette County First Responders; Community leaders  

U. S. Military: SSgt Jason Freeland, USAF 17th Special Tactics Sqaudron 

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.

Let's give a warm First Presbyterian Welcome to our new members!

Beth Breeland

William Wylie Coleman

Kyle, Andrea, Quinn & Bryce Hickerson

Doug & Walterine Odom

Melissa Perler

Kandy & Paul Ringquist and their son, Kenny

Cade Smith

Adult Faith Formation

The Ten Commandments are more than a list of ancient rules. Beneath the surface, they offer a profound invitation to healing and transformation. In this unique Bible study, readers will discover that the Ten Commandments are words from the heart of God, given to reconcile creation to Creator and God's people to one another. In Words of Love, Eugenia Anne Gamble dives into each of the Ten Commandments and examines their application for modern-day Christians, going beyond the letter of the law to a spiritual truth pointing us toward wholeness and well-being. Each chapter includes a spiritual practice and questions for reflection and discussion to help readers engage deeply with the message of each commandment, whether individually or in a group.

Bibles & Brews is back! 

Look for us on the First and Third Wednesdays at 4:30 p.m. at the Growler. Join us as we discuss the news of the day through the lens of scripture. 

In this study, theologian Charles Wiley explores two important theological

terms of Reformed and Presbyterian identity and conviction: "Grace and

Gratitude." These two words have important history within our tradition; and they live on in vigorous ways today. Wiley says the terms together are "our gift to the wider church." We see the essence of Christian faith captured in the combination, "Grace and Gratitude."; This is our witness to God's extravagant love expressed in Jesus Christ—grace; and our response as Christ's disciples, committed thankfully to doing God's work in this

world—gratitude.

Recognizing the importance of the terms in the phrase and the way they

express the rhythms of our Christian lives can be a renewing, revitalizing

experience. Seeing ourselves as receivers of grace, daily; and expressing

gratitude to God for this grace in Christ by our actions and

commitments—brings meaning and significance to all we receive and do.

Grace and gratitude energizes us to receive God's love and express that

love continually, in worship, work, and service to Jesus Christ.

Explore the rich meanings of "Grace and Gratitude"; as the story of your

Christian life in the church. Let the depth and power of this image shape

your identity as a Presbyterian Christian and provide the heartbeat of your faith everyday!

Interested in helping with set up or clean up for our Wednesdays Together? We’d love to have you! Click here to sign up.

 Committee of Education, Worship, and Nurture is excited to offer this continuing education event. Though the event is being planned as a Master's-of-Divinity-level program with clergy in mind as the primary audience, anyone is welcome to attend.

Let's Create---A Gathering Place for Young Adults

Parenting is hard. Getting your kids dressed and presentable for church is hard. Fighting your kid into a carseat while not messing up their pretty pink bow is hard. The CYFF wants to make Sunday school easy for parents of children in this church and WE NEED YOUR HELP! We are starting the journey of creating a one of a kind gathering place for parents, a place to relax and fellowship with coffee after dropping your kids off at Sunday school. 

There are a couple of ways to help us achieve our dream of a PARENTS LOUNGE in the Education Building with your generous gift. Make sure to select "Education Building" when donating. We appreciate every donation made!

Membership & Hospitality 

Great times at the FPC Picnic!

We had a crowd of 100 people, and it seemed like half were kids! Our kids enjoyed the GIGANTIC bouncy house, digging in the gravel, the swing, gaga ball, every kind of ball, and a hayride. Adults enjoyed the laughter and great conversations around the tables. Not to mention the amazing food people brought, and the delicious burger and hot dogs, thanks to our grill masters. 

Congratulations to our contest winners for sides: Christian Garvey and Miller Callery, and for desserts, Kandy Ringquist and Leslie Orrell.

Hope to see you all next year!

We are accepting donations of candy for Hallowed Hopewell in the church office. Individually wrapped, without peanuts, please. Many thanks!

Volunteers Needed

If you can volunteer, we need helpers! Parking attendants, greeters, floaters, etc. Please sign up here!

Presbyterian Youth Fellowship 

PYF is getting into the spirit of fall and heading to the pumpkin patch. Join Dave and Feagin at Wise Family Farm in Pontotoc for pumpkin picking, sunflower gazing and corn mazing. October 9, meet in the church parking lot at 1:30pm and we will be back at the church parking lot by 4:30pm. Grades 6th through 12th welcome and their parents welcome! $15 per person to get in plus a little extra for treats or souvenirs. 

Drop in to meet Thomas and share your well wishes with Wade and Courtney! Gifts are not expected, but if you would like to bring something, the Simpsons have asked for formula (Enfamil NeuroPro), wipes (Pampers Sensitive), or diapers (Pampers Swaddlers, size 1). If you know you can attend, your RSVP on our Facebook page is appreciated.

Camp Hopewell

All are invited to join us in celebrating Allyson & Darren's 22 years at Hopewell on December 10 from 4-6! Let us know if you plan to be there by clicking here to RSVP.

Music 

The Mission Ministry Team's monthly meeting is October 17 at 5:00 in Room 101 in the Sanctuary building.  If you'd like to learn more about Mission at FPC, please join us!

We thank Laura and Don Whitten and Melissa and Keith Perler for hosting the September Doors of Hope monthly Step 2 Dinner. Jo Turner, the DOH social worker, answered families' questions about budgeting expenditures on limited incomes. FPC’s ongoing support of DOH is greatly appreciated.

Holding Hands is a local secondhand shop with a higher calling.  The nonprofit resells donated clothing and household items while employing intellectually impaired individuals.  Referrals for their employees are made from Communicare, Ability Works, and other mental health agencies.  Donna Howard, whose daughter lives with paranoid schizophrenia, established Holding Hands in 2013 where those with cognitive and emotional challenges could find gainful employment in a supportive environment.  The shop is open to the public Monday through Saturday and accepts donations of clothing, household items, and furniture. Holding Hands then resells to the public. It offers a pick-up service for donations three days a week.  Holding Hands also distributes household items to families in need through Doors of Hope Transition Ministries and Compassion Ministries. More information is available on their website, holdinghandsoxford.com.  First Presbyterian members, PYF'ers through VIP'ers, are invited to volunteer their time working at the store. Melissa Perler is coordinating our effort. She may be reached at

 540-597-3583. This could be your mission!

SENIOR CITIZEN LEGAL SEMINAR

Saturday, October 8, 2022

11:30 am 

OFUMC- 102 Dylan Ave, Oxford 

​Oxford First United Methodist Church is sponsoring a Wills and Estate Planning Seminar. Al Cutturini, the Elder Law Project Director at North Mississippi Rural Legal Services, will provide general information. Individual appointments can then be scheduled with law students (under the supervision of attorneys) to draft wills, power of attorney, advanced healthcare directives, etc. NMRLS offers these services free to anyone over 60 years old. All are welcomed to attend. 

FEEL CALLED TO VOLUNTEER?

• FPC provides healthy snacks Mondays and Wednesdays for the Leap Frog elementary students from Oxford and Lafayette schools.  Click here for more information.
• In Good Order is a new group of volunteers seeking to assist FPC members who may need a little extra help with a yard project or light home repairs.  If you would like more information about joining the group, contact Adam Quick, adquick@hotmail.com.  If you are in need of assistance, please call the church office.
• A group from FPC is once again returning to Madisonville, Kentucky to assist with the reconstruction effort following the devastating tornados there last December.   No particular construction skills are required.  If you can swing a hammer or sling a paint brush, you qualify!  The group will depart Thursday, November 3rd and return Sunday the 6th.  For more information contact Niles Lovelady, 662-801-9200, or call the church office. Click here to sign up. 

FEEL CALLED TO DONATE NEEDED ITEMS?

• Family Crisis Services assists 15-20 children each month.  FPC continues to collect new stuffed animals which are given to the children to help comfort them.  If you would are interested in contributing, please drop your stuffed animal by the church office. For more information click here.  

• FPC continues to collect food items to stock the shelves for Lovepacks.  The following is a list of suggested donations.  Please bring them to the church office.  For more information click here. 

Pop top can of chicken noodle or vegetable soup

Ramen noodles

Pop top cans of ravioli

Peanut butter and crackers

Cheese crackers

16 oz. Jar of peanut butter

Nonrefrigerated pudding

Granola, breakfast or protein bar

Apple sauce pouches

News from the Pews

Memorials & Honorariums

~ With gratitude for contributions to First Presbyterian Church ~

In Memory of:

Jeffrey Butler

Kevin & Linda Chadwell

Greg Patton

Ben & Adalene Pettis

James & Mary Sharp Rayner

Harry & Vicki Sneed

Larry & Kay Tyler

John Edge

Steve & Marty Mauldin

Ben & Adalene Pettis

Larry & Kay Tyler

Dr. Robert "Bobby" Kennedy

Ben & Adalene Pettis

Joe Murphey

Ben & Adalene Pettis

Larry & Kay Tyler

 First Presbyterian Church

Oxford, Mississippi

Congregational Summary of Stated Session Meeting – September 12, 2022

1.      Report from Associate Pastor Nominating Committee. Al Ling presented a report from the APNC, including the committee’s proposed Ministry Information Form. After review and discussion, Elder Byars moved to approve the MIF as submitted by the APNC. The motion was seconded and approved.

2.      Communications. The Session considered communications submitted by the Clerk. The Session authorized the Clerk to execute the Covenant for the Interim Associate Pastor, as finalized, and asked the Clerk to send an acknowledgment regarding recent correspondence.  

3.      Ministry Team Reports.

a.      Finance (Susan Abbott, 2022 & Richard DeVoe, 2024). Elder Abbott noted that the Freeman Lecture Series account has been increasing because unspecified memorial donations to Lecture Series account based on action of Session from past. The Finance Team plans to bring recommendation to address that issue.

b.     Property (John Abernathy, 2022 & Bradley Goodwiller, 2024). The Property team reported that the exterior painters planned to begin painting the week of September 19-23.

c.      Adult Faith Formation (Allyson Ashmore, 2023). Elder Ashmore reported that the David Freeman Lecture Series had been planned for November 6-7, with the keynote speaker to preach on November 6. She also reported that the Wednesdays Together program would begin September 14 and run for a period of seven weeks.

d.     Children & Youth Faith Formation (Kathryn Elliott, 2023 & Catie Hester, 2024). The CYFF team reported that Wendy Brady had been hired as the Nursery Director, and that PYF numbers have been increasing.

e.      Membership & Hospitality (Kevin Christian, 2022 & Lee Miers, 2023). Elder Christian reported that Rally Day had been successful, and that they were expecting approximately 100-150 attendees for the upcoming Church Picnic. He reported that preparations are underway for Hallowed Hopewell, and that they expect 400-500 guests.  

f.       Mission (Greg Patton, 2022 & Melissa Hall, 2024). Elder Patton reported that approximately 75 individuals attended the recent Mission Lunch in August, and the luncheon was a good way to communicate ongoing mission efforts to the Congregation. He also reported that the team had created a team, In Good Order, to provide yard work and light maintenance services for members who were unable to handle such jobs, with Adam Quick as the primary point of contact. He also reported that they had planned a return trip to support tornado relief efforts in Kentucky for November 3-6.  

g.      Personnel (Trey Byars, 2022 & Goodloe Lewis, 2023). Elder Byars reported that the staff was pleased with the recent changes on the dental/vision coverage.

h.     Deacons. Reverend de Boer emphasized the importance of the homebound communion efforts, and invited additional participation.

4.      Announcements.

a.      Elder Ashmore reported that there would be a Sip n See for Courtney and Wade Simpson on October 9, with communication to be sent to the Church. 

Financial Summary 

Upcoming Birthdays & Anniversaries 

October Birthdays

2 MaryAnn Cropp, Richard DeVoe, Owen Wilkinson, Ernie Williams

3 McKay Goforth, Leon McCullouch

4 Anne Lowry Hardin, Don Newcomb, JoAnn O'Quin

5 Heather Harris

6 Courtney Simpson

7 Amy Lowe Lewis

10 Sally Booke, Elizabeth Kelly

12 Avery Lewis, Christina Torbert, Dana Williams 

13 Bob Westmoreland

15 Julia Jimenez, Nancy Warner 

16 Max Williams 

17 Betsy Holcomb 

18 Cheryl Hayward, Howard Hyneman

20 Beth Andrews, Will Westmoreland, Madeline Williams

21 Bo Elliott, Catie Hester, Glo Mauldin, Elliott Mayo, Cole Milner, Haley Spragins

22 Francis Boateng, Ferriday McClatchy

23 Marshall Williams

24 Charly McClatchy, Anne Wilkinson

25 Jack Abraham, Charles Byars, David Flautt, Anastasia Jenkins

26 Jason Derrick

27 Scottye Boone, Slade Lewis, Emily Newcomb

28 Paul Manley

29 Patty Abbott, Greg Goodwiller, Meredith Rawl

30 Beth Kennedy

31 Brum Elliott, Laura Montgomery, Monte Wood

October Anniversaries:

1 Bob & Susan Joiner, Rev. Barrett & Carrie Milner

9 Scott & Anita Drury

13 Drew & Corey Mauldin, Tony & Catherine Mize, Larry & Kay Tyler

17 Wade & Courtney Simpson

27 Chase & LeAnne Neal 

Your Church Staff

Rev. Barrett C. Milner

Senior Pastor

Rev. Deb de Boer

Interim Associate Pastor

Rev. Allison Wehrung

Pastor, UKirk Ministry

Creighton R. Holder

Director of Music

Dave Garvey

Director of Faith Formation for Children and Youth

Frances Saralvarez 

Office Administrator

Kate Hill 

Communications Director/Administrative Assistant

D. Wade Simpson

Property Manager

Wendy Brady

Nursery Director