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First Press
An online newsletter
January 2023
edition
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On this New Years Day, I’d like to share a blessing by the Irish poet, John O’Donohue:
On the day when
The weight deadens
On your shoulders
And you stumble,
May the clay dance
To balance you.
And when your eyes
Freeze behind
The grey window
And the ghost of loss
Gets into you,
May a flock of colours,
Indigo, red, green
And azure blue,
Come to awaken in you
A meadow of delight.
When the canvas frays
In the currach of thought
And a stain of ocean
Blackens beneath you,
May there come across the waters
A path of yellow moonlight
To bring you safely home.
May the nourishment of the earth be yours,
May the clarity of light be yours,
May the fluency of the ocean be yours,
May the protection of the ancestors be yours.
And so may a slow
Wind work these words
Of love around you,
An invisible cloak
To mind your life.
Happy New Year.
In hope,
Barrett
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In Person Worship: 9:00 am & 11:00 am | |
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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."
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Normal worship hours, along with Sunday School, will resume on Sunday, January 8. Ordination and Installation of Elders and Deacons on January 8. | |
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Ministry to the Farthest Pew
Unable to get to in-person worship? Missing communion? We will come to you. On the first Sunday of each month, elders and deacons will be extending the table to meet you, wherever you are. So if you would like to be included, please let us know. Just call the church office or drop us a line. We’ll look forward to seeing you.
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The Lectionary Texts of January
January 1 (Epiphany): Isaiah 60:1-6; Psalm 72:1-7, 10-14; Ephesians 3:1-12; Matthew 2:1-12
January 8: Isaiah 42:1-9; Psalm 29; Acts 10:34-43; Matthew 3:13-17
January 15: Isaiah 49:1-7; Psalm 40:1-11; 1 Corinthians 1:1-9; John 1:29-42
January 22: Isaiah 9:1-4; Psalm 27:1, 4-9; 1 Corinthians 1:10-18;
Matthew 4:12-23
January 29: Micah 6:1-8; Psalm 15; 1 Corinthians 1:18-31; Matthew 5:1-12
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Remember in Prayer
FPC Members: Keith & Cheryl Hayward; Scottye Boone; 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; Lydia Moak; Michele Howie; Family of Betty Mullen White
Family and Friends: Mike Flautt; Family of George Caffey; Family of Pat Ewing; Family of Dr. and Mrs. Gerry Foret; Family of Helen Nielson; 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.
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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. | |
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Sanctuary Floral Arrangement available dates are available starting January 8. To provide flowers in honor or in memory of a loved one, contact Margaret Fancher at fancherm@bellsouth.net or call 234-1359. Contributions to the Flower Fund are greatly appreciated. | |
Anyone interested in an FPC member directory can call the church office at 234-1757. One will be printed for you. | |
The Carroll Barr Circle has adopted the Little Free Library on South 18th Street and will be supplying books regularly for the residents there, many of whom are Spanish-speaking. We ask the congregation to help us by contributing quality novels and children's books. They may be brought to the church office where Frances has designated a cupboard to house them. Thanks so much. | |
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The Carroll Barr Circle is writing Christmas cards for the inmates at the local Detention Center. If you have extra cards with appropriate messages, please leave them in the church office. Thanks. | |
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Young(ish) Adults Class
Confessing Our Faith
Studying the Book of Confessions: Study Edition, Revised
Fellowship Hall, Room 102
Men’s Class I
Hard Sayings of the Bible by Walter C. Kaiser, Jr.
Session Room
Men’s Class II
Hebrews for Everyone by N.T. Wright
Annex
Women of Faith
Paul the Apostle: Missionary, Martyr, Theologian by Robert E. Picirilli
Fellowship Hall Room 104
Intersections
Discussion of the intersections between the Bible and our lives
using the Revised Common Lectionary passages for the day
Fellowship Hall, Room 103
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We will pick back up with Bibles & Brews on January 18, 2023. | |
FPC is involved in over a dozen outreach ministries locally, regionally, and internationally. Below are updates on a few of those ministries that are made possible through your participation and financial support. In this stewardship season we thank you for your time and financial commitment. | |
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COMING SOON TO FPC!
Cents-Ability is a PCUSA initiative to combat hunger in local communities. Originally known as the Two-Cents-A-Meal program established by Presbyterian Women in 1976, Cents-Ability asks families to collect a few pennies per meal to support local food resources. In 2022 St. Andrew Presbytery was able to award eight $1,000 grants to hunger assistance programs in Pontotoc, Grenada, Hernando, Marks, Oxford, Batesville, Horn Lake, and Ripley. Cents-Ability savings cans will be provided to FPC members to keep on their dining tables to contribute a few cents at every meal. The collective savings power of one congregation can be impressive. For example, a congregation with 100 families donating a nickel per meal can raise over $5,000 annually. In the coming weeks stay tuned for more information on how you and your family can combat hunger in our presbytery through
Cents-Ability.
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We thank our FPC volunteers who last fall tirelessly delivered nutritious snacks twice a week to the 60 Leap Frog students from the Oxford and Lafayettes. They are Marty Mauldin, Patty Abbott, Ann Devoe, Corey Mauldin, Martha Burnett, Lele and Grace Gillespie, Jason and Alecia Bouldin,
Mary Haskell, Jessica Holder, Pattye Wilson, Allyson Ashmore, Kathy Griffin, and Ramey Hardin. The students and teachers thank you! Snack deliveries for the spring semester begin February 6. If you would like to volunteer, please
click here.
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Over 30 Doors of Hope mothers and children attended the DOH Step 2 Dinner in December. It was a particularly festive occasion as music for singing Christmas carols was provided by Billy and Julie Chadwick, Keith Perler and William Bouldin. There was even a surprise visit from Santa Claus! The DOH families are deeply grateful for FPC's concern and support. A new year is now upon us; get involved and host a Step 2 Dinner. If you are interested in volunteering, please click here. | |
Curious about the various FPC mission activities? An email account is available specifically for keeping FPC members abreast of mission plans, outreach programs, committee minutes, etc. If you would like to be kept in the mission loop, contact the Mission Team at missionteam@fpcoxford.net. | |
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News from the Pews
Memorials & Honorariums
~ With gratitude for contributions to First Presbyterian Church ~
In Memory of:
Janet Barnes
Jason Bouldin
Jeffrey Butler
Elizabeth Hussey
Babe Carr
Jason Bouldin
Lynton Dilly
Jason Bouldin
John T. Edge
Martha Hitch
Ann Caroline McIntosh
Jason Bouldin
Walter Nance
Jason Bouldin
In Honor of :
Ed and Kay Croom
Elizabeth Hussey
Carmille Hovious
Michael & Patty Robbins
Lee, Elizabeth Ann, Mary Elizabeth, Ann Louise, and Ruthie Miers
John & Kathy Hatcher
Our grandchildren: Mary Elizabeth, Ann Louise, and Ruthie Miers
Lee & Cindy Miers
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First Presbyterian Church
Oxford, Mississippi
Congregational Summary of Stated Session Meeting –
November 12, 2022
1. Prayer. Reverend de Boer opened the meeting with a prayer from
A Rhythm of Prayer, written by Sarah Bessey, regarding the gift of time. Both she and Reverend Milner underscored their thanks to Elders Abbott, Abernathy, Byars, Christian, Patton, and Ashmore for their service and commitment during their terms of service on the Session.
2. Ministry Team Reports.
a. Finance (Susan Abbott, 2022 & Richard DeVoe, 2024). Elder Abbott reported that the Finance Team had received all budget requests for the upcoming year, and would be meeting within the week to discuss annual budget items. She also indicated that the line item for the Christmas Tree Agency fund in the November financials would be updated to reflect the cost of the trees.
b. Property (John Abernathy, 2022 & Bradley Goodwiller, 2024). Elders Abernathy and Goodwiller reported that the main tower of the church was also in need of extensive repair due to rot in the wood trim and roofing. Elder Abernathy circulated a breakdown of budgeted items versus actual expenses for the recent exterior painting and carpentry work. Based on the necessary repairs to the main tower, Elder Abernathy reported that the Property Team would likely move to request an additional $20,000.00 from the Nabors Fund to cover the unexpected carpentry and roofing work on the three Church towers.
Elder Goodwiller reported that the Property Team was considering modifying the parking policy to require renewal of parking passes every two years and to adjust the costs of the tags to offset parking and maintenance expenses. Elder Goodwiller indicated that the Property Team would report back with more formal recommendations following additional consideration.
The Property Team reported that it had considered a recent suggestion for the church to host a for a Little Free Pantry on its church campus. The Property Team recommended sponsoring one but finding an alternative location, potentially off the Square.
c. Adult Faith Formation (Allyson Ashmore, 2023). Elder Ashmore reported that the Adult Faith Formation Team had recently hosted its Chrismon event, which was well-attended with many participants opting to donate their hand-made ornaments.
d. Children & Youth Faith Formation (Kathryn Elliott, 2023 &
Catie Hester, 2024). Elder Hester reported that CYFF had completed its last Advent event the previous Sunday, and that the season’s slate of events had been very successful. She also reported that the youth group would likely net around $5,800 from the recent Christmas Tree Sales.
e. Membership & Hospitality (Kevin Christian, 2022 &
Lee Miers, 2023). Elder Christian reported that the Membership and Hospitality team was making final preparations for the church-wide caroling event, and that groups would travel to the homes of several members, the Square, and a mobile home park.
f. Mission (Greg Patton, 2022 & Melissa Hall, 2024). Elder Patton reported that the PYF group had hosted families from Doors of Hope for a Thanksgiving meal in November. He also reported that fourteen of the sixteen Doors of Hope families had been adopted for Christmas at the time of his report. He indicated that a Cents-Ability Sunday would be held in January to support food security programs within the Presbytery.
g. Personnel (Trey Byars, 2022 & Goodloe Lewis, 2023). Elder Lewis reported that Reverend Milner had asked for assistance in hosting Christmas and year-end celebratory meals for the church staff and clergy, with a dinner to include spouses and a staff lunch. Elder Lewis moved to allocate up to $750 for Reverend Milner to host a dinner and lunch in celebration and appreciation of the church staff. The motion was seconded and approved.
The Personnel Team reported that it would be including continuing education expenses and a 5% cost of living adjustment for personnel salaries in its upcoming budget request.
h. Worship (Hale Freeland, 2024). Elder Freeland encouraged everyone to attend the upcoming evening Lessons and Carols service.
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Upcoming Birthdays & Anniversaries | |
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January Birthdays
1 Frances Crawford, Edna Wright
2 Kathryn Hill, Steve Mauldin
4 Frances Webb
5 Barbara Davis
6 Nancy Giles
7 Anna Presley Harris, Maribel Sullivan-Gonzalez, Lynn Treas
8 Chuck Kenwright, Cade Smith
9 Warner Biedenharn, Ney Williams
10 Lu Ann Smith
13 Melba Bowlin, Samuel Cribbs, Suzan Deloach
15 Caroline McIntosh
16 Hal Haney
17 Toni Joyer, Ann O'Dell
18 Sally Hines, Catherine Servati
19 Becky Murphey
20 Nolan Franklin, Suzy Phillips
21 Avery Atkinson, Jon Crawford, Shelby Goza, Ed Holcomb
24 Emory Barrios, David Coon, Alli Hayward
25 Pat Lowe
26 Patsy Eads, Hadyn Perler
27 Monroe Alexander, Charles McClatchy, Henry Tanner
28 Thelma Curry, Amy Wilkes
30 Wade Simpson
31 Rob Howell, Pratt Wilkinson
January Anniversaries:
8 Warner & Lilly Biedenharn
14 John & Linda Scarbrough
16 Ney & Dana Williams
22 Cliff & Sarah Smith
24 Dean & Yung Chow
30 Darren & Allyson Ashmore
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The Session
Class of 2023- Allyson Ashmore, Kathryn Elliott, Mary Haskell, Goodloe Lewis, Drew Mauldin, Lee Miers
Class of 2024: Richard DeVoe,
Hale Freeland, Bradley Goodwiller, Melissa Hall, Catie Hester,
Class of 2025: Bo Elliott,
Carole Haney, Brent Hardin,
Angela Manley, David Shaw
*Ministry Team assignments still under discernment*
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The Diaconate
Class of 2023 - Chloe Lloyd,
Laura Lovelady, Allison McCord,
Shae Orrell, Adam Quick
Class of 2024 - Patrick Bolen, Tommy Cribbs, Lindsey Estes, Kathy Orr Griffith,
Jennifer Williams
Class of 2025: Teresa Flautt,
Scotty Jimenez, David McPhail,
Laura Scott, Laura Whitten
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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
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