The Fifth Sunday in Lent
In preparation for worship,
we encourage you to read the Scripture passage
and reflect on what God’s word might be to you.
Scripture: John 12:20-33
Message: "Again & Again: Another Chance"
JOIN us for WORSHIP from HOME or in the SANCTUARY.
on Sunday at 10:00 a.m.
so you may be comfortable with our health and safety precautions
as we live into Christ’s teaching to love our neighbors as ourselves.
and activities to nurture faith
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Ministry News and Upcoming Events |
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As we return to in-person worship this Sunday, March 21, we wish to ensure our planning for Palm Sunday and Easter is as healthy and joyful as possible. For this reason, we want to hear how likely you are to join us in-person for worship on Palm Sunday and Easter.
Thank you for your time in letting us know how we might best prepare for these sacred moments of worship. Thank you also for holding fast to faith and hope as the Body of Christ as we navigate this pandemic with abundant grace, genuine freedom and deep peace.
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One Great Hour of Sharing Fish Banks and Special Mission Offering |
Sunday, April 4, Easter Sunday, we will be collecting the familiar Fish Banks as we take up our One Great Hour of Sharing (OGHS) special offering. Each gift to One Great Hour of Sharing helps improve the lives of the suffering and the vulnerable. We invite you to give generously on April 4. |
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Fellowship in the Virtual Molyneaux Lounge |
Gather online with your brothers and sisters in our faith community for connection, conversation, as well as spontaneous moments of hope and encouragement.
Join us this week after worship at this link on Zoom as we explore deeper bonds of fellowship.
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Lenten Creation Care Podcast Series |
Our CE and C4C teams are continuing with our Lenten Podcast discussion series, listen to this week's podcast linked HERE and then join members of our Caring for Creation team on Sundays on Zoom starting at 11:45 am for a coffee hour discussion.
Information for Zoom Meetings is here (please scroll to bottom of document for more information)
Join Zoom Meeting
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Join us this Lent as, again and again, we bring all of who we are to Christ and trust that God will meet us with hope, time and again, along the way.
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The Connections Committee - Spring Fling! |
The Connections Committee Invites YOU to a
“First Day of Spring” Fling!
TOMORROW - Saturday, March 20 - the "First Day of Spring Fling" begins at Noon.
Peffer Park or the Gazebo at the Community Park
Happening at both places.
Come to relax, chat, breathe fresh air and connect with friends!
Bring your own lunch and beverage.
Mask and social distance.
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Campus Ministry Discussion Group |
Our discussion group nights for college and campus students continue this Monday with "Worldchanging 101" based on the lessons from the book by David LaMotte. The discussion group will meet this coming Monday night at 7:00 p.m. with two more to follow on April 5, and April 19.
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Easter Special Music Fund and Spring Flower Fundraiser |
Spring flowers will be placed at the front of the church on Easter Sunday. Cost is $16.00.
Orders are due by Friday, March 26
The number of flowers will be limited to the first 30.
Donations and dedications to the Special Music Fund also gratefully received.
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Caring for Creation Team - OPC Earth Care Congregation |
The Caring for Creation team is happy to report that Oxford Presbyterian is now officially recognized as an Earth Care Congregation!! We are charging toward our 2021 goals, and welcome all in our congregation to get involved. You can see our 2021 goals here and sign up for our monthly "Oxford Sustainability" newsletter here.
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Eradicating Systemic Poverty Team |
Many of us have been following the news and know that the US Congress passed funding for a relief bill for those suffering from the impacts of COVID-19 and subsequent unemployment and reduced income. Meanwhile, the US economy added close to 380,000 jobs in February, another positive sign.
Our ESP Team has two non-ferocious “watchdogs” (Sandy Drewes and Danny Cross) who keep us informed of current legislation. One is SB 17 at the state level, which will be mentioned later, and the other is the possible delay in Ohio unemployment checks due to issues of fraud at the state level.
Nancy Parkinson and her nutrition students completed a successful virtual
nutrition/cooking class in February. Lynn Cronk served as guest chef on March 17. Another nutrition/cooking class is planned for April 15 at 6 p.m. Help us spread the good word!
The ESP Team met with Ann Fuhrer, Director of TOPSS, recently to hear an update
on progress and future plans. Ann presented a thorough report of the work of the
agency, especially during this era of COVID-19, serving those in the
Oxford/Talawanda region. Given the restrictions of the pandemic, much food was
delivered to recipients. In addition to receiving food donations, TOPSS receives food
and, this winter, has provided food boxes for those residing in the cold shelters. The
agency continues to work closely with Nancy Parkinson and her students on food
programs and utilizes the services of volunteers. A complete report from Ann’s meeting with us available for anyone who wishes to read it.
The ESP Team asks that you read and urge our senators to vote against SB17 as it will put in place changes to Supplemental Nutrition Assistance, Medicaid, and unemployment insurance in Ohio.
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Connecting as the Beloved Community |
Ginny and Dale Layton are spending the month of March basking in the Florida sun. They have welcomed spring at the same location down south for many years. Dale is a fisherman, whether he catches anything or not. Ginny is the swimmer, preferring the lap pool to the ocean. Chad and his wife welcomed a baby boy into the family this winter. Unfortunately Chad contracted COVID-19 at the same time the baby came home - bad timing! Rob, a workaholic, lives in Charlotte, NC working his way up in the Carter Lumber Store chain. "It has been hard to stay put, but helps to have something to look forward to” and Ginny is really looking forward to Igor Maksakov’s visit.
Pat Gifford and Tuck are learning to live with each other. A miniature Goldendoodle, Tuck is reminding Pat of what it is to raise a puppy. Lots of joy and companionship for her. Swittens switched from mittens etc. to making hundreds of masks to give away to health care workers - inventory of mittens, ear warmers, and accessories retailed on Etsy. The "Bernie effect" hit the day following the election causing a sellout of mittens! It has been a challenging year for Pat. Having son Steve and his wife, Sarah, living right next door has been a solace. Pat feels blessed to be part of the OPC congregation with her connections through Called to Life Core Team, ESP Coordinating Team, Session and various other groups. Together we are maintaining relationships and forging ahead with the work of the Lord.
Deb and Rick Sayers are finally healthy. It has been a hard road for them both. Deb was hospitalized for 10 days with COVID-19 and was told that it may take 3 - 4 months to fully recover. Therefore she resigned from her job at the Eaton library - a hard decision as she really enjoyed it. Rick continues in his job at OPC. The new AV system has been a great challenge. Rick has morphed into doing more of the sexton work while Nick Fears is focusing on the AV work. Deb and Rick both are revisiting old television shows, i.e.
Gunsmoke, Perry Mason, Bonanza, etc. - a wonderful way to while away the evenings.
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Community Blood Drive Results |
Thank you for a fantastic blood drive (March 12)!
Here are the overall results.
- 57 people registered to give blood!
- 49 were successful! (35 was the goal)
- 140% percent of goal!
- 5 First Time Donors! WOW!
- Over 147 lives will be positively impacted as a result of total donations!
Mark your calendar for the next Community Blood Drive, April 14 from 9:00am – 4:30pm.
APPOINTMENTS REQUIRED
Sponsor Code #321
COVID-19 Antibody test will be performed on all blood donors as part of our standard testing. (April is the last month for COVID antibody testing).
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Love in Action - COVID Vaccinations |
As of today, Ohioans 40 years old and above are eligible for a COVID-19 vaccinations. Navigating the process required to schedule a vaccine appointment may take persistence and patience. As a result, volunteers from our church family are ready to assist and guide you through the appointment process. If you encounter any difficulty in this endeavor, please contact the church office.
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As you have heard our Pastor Emeritus, Joe Hookey recently passed away. We all remember Joe’s first wife, Lois, but after her death, Joe was blessed to find another lovely woman, Sheila, who he married and spent his remaining days with. Many of us met Sheila when Joe preached his last sermon with us at Hopewell.
If you would like to send a note or sympathy card to Sheila, here is her address. I’m sure she would appreciate hearing from Joe’s former congregants and friends.
Cards of sympathy can be mailed to:
Sheila Hookey
7111 Fallen Oak Trace
Centerville, Ohio. 45459-4845
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This is the miracle that happens every time to those who really love:
the more they give, the more they possess.
- Rainer Maria Rilke
Your time, talent and treasure are truly vital to this ministry. If you are worshipping with us via the livestream, in lieu of a contribution to the physical offering plate, we would encourage you to mail your pledge/tithe to the church office or give through one of these digital avenues. To give online both conveniently and securely, you may access our online giving opportunity from your computer at https://onrealm.org/oxfordpresbychurch/Give.
To give via QR code, scan the code in the image below with your phone and follow the brief prompts. View a video tutorial here on giving through QR code.
To give via text message, text opc1825 and your designated amount to 73256. For example, text "opc1825 25" to 73256 for an offering of $25 and follow the prompt. View a video tutorial here on giving via text message.
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Living Into Hope
Finding a sanctuary, a place apart from time,
is not so different from finding a faith.
- Pico Iyer
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Oxford Presbyterian Church | 101 N. Main Street, Oxford OH 45056
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