November 2019

LISTENING TO THE HEARTBEAT OF GOD– FROM PASTOR LAWRENCE

In the book of Ecclesiastes, the Teacher instructs those who wish to be wise to –  Cast out your bread upon the waters, for after many days you will get it back.   In other words –  Always be ready to be generous without a thought for a present reward. For, some day, you may find a most unexpected blessing.   We hear the wisdom of this teaching through the voice of a servant that echoes through our congregational history, Marion Fairman. Marion was the spouse of Ed Fairman, the pastor of the Seminary Presbyterian Church.   In the preface to their book, The Tumbling Walls, Marion wrote,  How can anyone say with certainty when an idea arises. …  One Sabbath morning at the New Wilmington Missionary Conference during a sermon by Dr. Donald Buck of the Foreign Mission Board, he spoke of the need for someone to goand seeand tellthe church at home.  It was as simple as that.  We didn’t even hear the rest of the sermon as Ed turned to me and said, “We could do that.” It took us a year to get ready, to find the money, to close our pastorate, to store our furniture, to count the cost (emphasis added). Read More

FROM PASTOR MARC’S DESK ... “THE FEELING OF ALIVENESS”     If you’ve stepped into my office here at the church, you’ve probably noticed a large painting hanging on the wall behind my desk.  It’s a painting of Castle Well, an historic castle in the Netherlands where I studied abroad for a semester in college.  I keep that painting in my office for a number of reasons.  First of all, it represents a lot of fond memories that I have during that time in my life – being a young college student and travelling abroad. Experiencing new things.        However, it also carries a deeper significance to me.  Castle Well was where I first experienced God’s call to ministry.  It reminds me of who I was at the time, what was at stake for me at that time, and how directly my first real feeling of call was tied to that time and place.  When I walk into my office at the church and see that painting, it reminds me of who I am and why I entered into the ministry in the first place. Unfortunately I don’t have time to tell the whole story in a newsletter article like this one.  If you’d like to hear it, I’d be happy to share it with you over a cup of coffee.   Read More

UPCOMING EVENTS November 3   All Saints Sunday November 10 Pledge Sunday November 17     Spirit of Scotland Presentations See article below November 24 - Presentation with Mark and Jenny Hare, missionaries from Haiti/Dominican Republic. (Sponsored by M&O) See article below November 24 - Seminary Cinema (Film: They Shall Not Grow Old (R) See article below

CHRISTIAN EDUCATION NEWS CHRISTIAN EDUCATION NEWS   Adult Christian Ed (ACE): The social justice themed book discussions led by Carrie Ann Sharitt continue. November’s book,  “Love Undocumented” by Sarah Quezada , will be discussed on Thursday, November 21st at 6:00pm in the Molyneaux Lounge. Please join us! Feel free to bring a brown bag supper. Acolytes: November’s acolyte will be a team effort, featuring Elias and Gabriel Jones. Next time you see these boys, give them a high five and thank them for participating in our worship! Sunday School Teachers: Sunday preschool attendance is up! There are four children regularly attending and an occasional baby in the nursery. Spread the word to young families! Having a consistent familiar preschool helper has been a comfort to some of our hesitant children. For our elementary school classes, thank you to Carla Blackmar Rice for teaching grades 3-4-5 in October and to Sarah Miller & Deb Sayers for their continued dedication to grades K-1-2. During November, Mary Shinn will teach 3-4-5. Youth Group:   SENIOR HIGH MISSION TRIP!  Mark your calendars! Urban Youth Mission Experience Fourth Presbyterian Church, Chicago, IL July 19-24, 2020 Cost is $100 per youth  or participation in at least 2 fundraising events this year. Contact Pastor Marc  by November 10th to reserve your spot! Kirkmont Presbyterian Youth Connection Spring Retreat Friday-Sunday, April 17-19, 2020 Mark your calendars, and contact Pastor Marc to reserve your spot Registration and cost TBA Join us Sunday nights from 6:30-8:00 PM! Sunday, November 3rd - Dinner and small groups Sunday, November 10th - Baking bread with Tom Holmes Campus Ministry:   All students are welcometo join us in the Molyneaux Lounge for Lunch on Us!- a meal and discussion out and about in Oxford on the last Sunday of the month .   Looking forward to Advent: as excitement builds with the season of Advent approaching, look for devotionals, which will arrive sometime this month. There will also be numerous special Christian Education events! The  Celebration at the Manager will take place on December 15…volunteers needed and encouraged! To help, please e-mail Carla Blackmar Rice at:  [email protected] .

CCNS NEWS We will be selling  WARM GLOW CANDLES FOR OUR FALL FUNDRAISER!  This fundraiser will help the Christian Cooperative Nursery School with the cost of field trips, activities in the classroom and other expenses (examples: butterfly growing project, STEM toys and materials for new outdoor toys).    PLEASE CONTACT MISS SARAH TO VIEW A BROCHURE WITH ALL THE NEW CANDLE OPTIONS & SCENTS AVAILABLE!  [email protected]    The fundraiser  BEGINS on October 21, 2019 and  ENDS on NOVEMBER 22, 2019.  The warm glow products will be in by the last week of school before Christmas break (December 20 th & 21 st ).  ·        CCNS can accept Cash and Checks for this fundraiser.  ·        Please make checks out to: Oxford Presbyterian Church. Sarah Maple CCNS Teacher/Administrator

CARES, CONCERNS, JOYS AND THANK YOUs IN OUR PRAYERS :  Keep these friends in your prayers : Betty Barnhart, John Curry, Bob Douglass, Nancy Gates, Genee Hesse, Ruth Miller, Jan Reinhart, Becky Rudolph, Sarah Soika, Joan Teckman, Stacey Winn, John & Jean Woodruff Lord in Your Mercy, Hear Our Prayers THANK YOU(s)!!! Dear Danny, We are so grateful for your heart and your vision and your sheer doggedness to pull off another amazing food packing event. I know, I know, you're saying to yourself, "you're the ones who did it", but, Danny, it would not have happened without your determination to make it happen. Thank you for your example of being all in, in the service of Christ.   Joyfully! Your M & O team Many thanks to the Rummage Team. You put in many hours to make the Fall Sale a success. We are grateful to Scott and Nancy Parkinson for their assistance in setting up the tables before the sale and cleaning up afterwards. Scott put the racks, card tables, and signs into Bill’s Bunker and the Boutique boxes on the shelf in the chair closet. Blessings to you all! What a team! It takes everyone doing a bit to make this occur and disappear! It was also fun working with each of you! You each held a significant piece of the puzzle.  The end result is larger than any of us- money for mission locally, nationally and around the world! Thank you and thanks be to God!

“MY GIFTS MATTER” All Oxford Presbyterian Church members have by now received a letter, brochure, and pledge card asking for your generous participation in our 2020 Stewardship Campaign.  We have emphasized that all our “gifts matter” in the successful operation of our church. Whether it be teaching or facilitating classes, singing in the choir, assisting with the Rummage Sale, greeting for services, serving on committees or just being a loyal attendee; we need and cherish all contributions.  But we cannot dismiss the importance of having our members respond with a financial pledge card. This is a crucial component of allowing the Stewardship and Finance Committee to establish the Annual Budget for 2020. This is the foundation upon which all of our Mission, Worship, Christian Education and Fellowship activities are supported.  We urge you to send in your pledge. If you misplaced your letter, information is available on-line, in the Church pews, and in the Church office.  Thank you very much, Stewardship and Finance Committee

GIFTS FOR MISSION   During October several special gifts were received to address mission efforts worldwide. An anonymous gift of $5,000 was extended to support the installation of an indoor bathroom at the church in Zlatoust, Russia.  In addition, Nancy Wilson donated $1,000 for the Chelyabinsk Regional Baptist Children’s camp and provided another $1,000 for the Moscow Protestant Chaplaincy.  Concurrently, an anonymous gift of $3,000 was also given to provide mission support in Ghana. Sincere appreciation goes to these individuals who have stepped up to address our universal mission objectives. Bill King Special Gifts Coordinator

MARK AND JENNY HARE The Iglesias Evangélica Dominicana (IED), or Evangelical Dominican Church, is the product of efforts by Methodist, Presbyterian and United Brethen churches in the United States, coordinating in Dominican church leaders in 1922. It’s mission of this local, national church, has been to stake out new churches across the island of Hispaniola, to evangelize, and to establish schools, hospitals and press social programs, especially in agricultural areas. Mark Hare, an Ohio native and Michigan State University grad, has been a PC(USA) missionary in Haiti in connection with the IED the for the past 22 years, working as a agriculturalist on the slopes of Haiti and the Dominican Republic with the Mouvman, Peyizan Papay project (MPP), also known as a the Peasants Movement of Papaye. The MPP works primarily with “yard gardens,” helping the poor with the small plots around their homes to encourage the growth of numerous crops, fighting soil erosion and encouraging the re-growth of woods, as much of Haiti in particular, as been deforested. Jenny Bent, the daughter of a Moravian pastor in Nicaragua, and is trained as a medical technician. She works with the Community Health Evangelism, an international health program that focuses on using local resources for the physical and spiritual needs of those they serve in the southwest Dominican sugarcane fields. Mark and Jenny will be visiting us the weekend of November 23-24 when we can find out much more about how the Spirit is working in both their lives and the lives of those they serve. If you would like more information about Mark and Jenny, you can turn to the PC(USA) mission website at  https://www.presbyterianmission.org/ . Then click on the magnifying glass in the upper right hand corner.  This opens a search bar; type in Mark Hare and you’ll find a list of articles. Bill Fisher

BLEST BE THE TIES THAT BIND The relationship with our sister church in Barranquilla, Colombia remains strong thanks to multiple areas of engagement. One such avenue is a scholarship Mission and Outreach provides to a student of Dr. Alexander Steffanel. Nurtured in the Seventh Presbyterian Church, Alexander, was part of the Oxford Presbyterian Church as a graduate student. This summer, Samuel Duarte López, received the M&O scholarship and he sent us this report: Thank you so much for the very generous help that I received from the church to be able to go as a voluntary to the Iglesia Séptima Presbiteriana and to the Colegio Nazareth Olaya. It was an amazing and blessed experience for me. I learned so many things academically and spiritually and I meet many good people that helped me during my entire time in Colombia.

FREEDOM I once in prison dark did dwell, I could not see the sky, With fire and cold and agony I couldn’t even cry. How beautiful the gift of life To one again set free-- There is no blessing that compares To that of liberty. Some day I may know prison walls And fire may make me cry, But sunshine dwells within my heart And I can touch the sky. Connie Everhart

THEY SHALL NOT GROW OLD An impressive technical achievement with a walloping emotional impact, They Shall Not Grow Old pays brilliant cinematic tribute to the sacrifice of a generation. (Rotten Tomatoes) The film was created using original footage of World War I from the Imperial War Museum's archives, most of it previously unseen, all over 100 years old by the time of release. (Wikipedia) … dubbed in voices for the soldiers, with the aid of forensic lip readers employed to figure out what they were saying. 3:30pm Pre movie discussion 4:00pm Movie Rated R. Gruesome war scenes, shown and described. Running time: 1 hour 39 minutes

OXFORD PRESBYTERIAN WOMEN Tuesday Afternoon Circle will meet November 19 at 1:30 in the Country Kitchen at the Knolls. Carol Shaber will conduct the lesson. An optional lunch for $8 is available at noon in the café by making reservations with Rosemary Fisher by the preceding Friday at 524-7748. Visitors and guests are always welcome to attend this lunch and meeting of Presbyterian Women.  Tuesday Evening Circle will be November 5 at Janet Ziegler’s,126 Pin Oak Drive, 523-2411. Karen Simpson will be the co-hostess. Billie Maynard will do the Devotion. Anyone needing a ride should call Karen, 523-8363 COOKIES—COOKIES—COOKIES Everyone likes cookies, so be sure to come to our Cookie Walk on Saturday, December 1 from 10-1 in the Molyneaux Lounge, NOT THE SEMINARY. That’s right, the Memorial Building is the place to be to buy those delicious treats and wonderful holiday crafts. Hurry, before they are all gone! Debbie Davidson  Carol Klumb  (An OPW funds for mission event)

RUMMAGE RESULTS The total we made from this Fall rummage is $2338.78. This is just 37cents more than the 2338.41 we made in the Spring! Not sure how we manage to get 78 & 41 cents when we only use increments of 50cents? Nonetheless, what a fantastic amount to go to the OPW missions!  And what a coincidence in the amounts.

Spirit of Scotland – Fall Series

November 10  "How Change Gave Birth to the Church of Scotland" ·        Presented by Dr. Scott Parkinson November 17 " How the Church of Scotland became the Presbyterian Church" ·        Presented by Dr. Scott Parkinson All events begin approximately 11:30 a.m. in the Sanctuary (2 nd floor) of the Seminary Church on the corner of Church and Poplar, Oxford Ohio

DEACONS Do you know someone who needs a Prayer Shawl? Shawls are given for comfort in times of illness or grief, as well as for celebration in times of joy.  If you have a friend or relative to whom you would like to give a Prayer Shawl, please contact Cornelia Browne, 513-524-7716.

OCTOBER SESSION MEETING Discussion on what changes we have seen, in the past twenty years, brought on by the Holy Spirit at OPC, the Presbytery and the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A) evolved into conversation about how we have discerned the movement of the Holy Spirit in our congregation. Following the Book of Order, G-3.0204a, the active roll was reduced by 24 as the Membership Committee, after due diligence in contacting these members, recommended their removal to the “Other Participants” roll. Four special gifts were received: $5000 for indoor bathroom at the church in Zlatoust, Russia; $1000 for the Chelyabinsk Regional Baptist Children’s Camp, $1000 for the Moscow Protestant Chaplaincy, $3000 for mission support in Ghana. The organ is beginning to show signs of age. S/F is starting to think about funding a replacement, when it becomes necessary. This is not in the immediate future, but best to be prepared . Any help with the Celebration at the Manger, December 15, 2019, will be warmly received. Contact Carla Blackmar Rice. Mission and Outreach funded the following projects:  Bethesda Community Center, Barranquilla Colombia - $1000;  Oxford Free Clinic - $850;   Safe Haven Farms - $500;   Family Promise - $1500;  Community Adult Day Care - $300;  Family Resource Center - $1500;  Young Adult Volunteers - $500;  Forman College - $300; Backpack Program - $1000;  Presbyterian Church Living Waters - $1000;   Presbyterian Disaster Assistance - $1000; Mercy Ships - $750. Judy Fisher Clerk CLICK HERE TO READ COMMITTEE HIGHLIGHTS

BETTY BARNHART SCARLET OAK DRIVE THE KNOLLS Betty is a delightful young lady of 98 who finds joy and laughter in everything she encounters. She is active and interested in a variety of activities   Betty and Edward “Barney” Barnhart were married in 1940, when she was 19, in the Clifton Presbyterian Church. They were married for 61 years. Betty was raised in the Oxford Presbyterian Church and raised her family in the church. Barney was a deacon in the church.   Barney and Betty were stationed in New Orleans during WWII for 3 years while Barney, who was a Master Sargeant, worked in the army transportation service. After living in New Orleans during the war years, they were happy to return with Oxford friends for a visit when Miami played the University of New Orleans in football.   When they returned to Oxford, Betty and Barney and some of their friends helped plan and build the Oxford Country Club and Golf Course. The men played golf one afternoon a week, while the ladies played golf on Thursday and had lunch at the club. This then led to their forming a Supper Club in Oxford.  READ MORE

ANNOUNCEMENTS CHURCH SERVICES AT THE KNOLLS Come join us on November 12 & 26 at The Knolls as we view recent Presbyterian Church services on DVD. On November 12, Pastor Lawrence will be joining us & will serve communion. We will be in the Activity Room at 10:00 am. All are welcome! If you want to know more about it or need a ride, give Becky Quay a call at 523-5747. Hope to see you there! ALL THE MITTENS AND SHOES WERE HUNG ON THE TREE WITH CARE No, you're not seeing things. This year the Mitten Tree will also be sprouting shoes! Yes, mittens and shoes growing on the same tree!   If your donations go for mittens, that money will be used by the Oxford Resource Center to buy Christmas gifts for needy children in and around Oxford.   Donating money for shoes will help our friendly little Russian children to have proper foot coverings on their feet.   Maybe you don't have to choose and will want to do both. Suggested donations are $40 -50 for mittens and $12.50 for shoes.   Help make Christmas even brighter for all of these children. Our tree will be in the sanctuary Dec.1st through the 22nd. Just take the mitten, shoe, or both from the tree and bring them into the Molyneaux where you may leave the item with your donation. Thank you from the children! If you have questions, see Karen Shearer. SAFE HAVEN FARMS DECORATING December 8th will be here soon and that means our annual visit to Safe Haven Farms to decorate their community center. We have had so much fun in the past years putting up the Christmas decorations.   The farmers, as those young autistic adults are called, are delighted with "our supreme decorating skills." It's a joyful time of fellowship as we work together to make the Hatton Center a Christmas delight!   We will meet behind the church at 1:00 to carpool to Safe Haven, or you may go directly there. The address is 5970 No Mans Road in Middletown, Oh.   You do not need to bring anything except a joyful heart and a willingness to bring a festive feeling to these farmers.  Questions? Get answers from Karen Shearer who will also have driving direction if needed. Answer to the question of the month Three. Because the Bible says that Noah went forth out of the ark.

There arghhhh always friendly greeters, like Scott and Nancy Parkinson at OPC’s front door.

KIDS COALITION AGAINST HUNGER The community team packed over 1500 nutritious meals at the Kids Coalition Against Hunger event!

Hairnets were de rigueur for all.  Some made the best of it! The Community Team Kids helping Kids

NOVEMBER BIRTHDAYS 1      Joyce Weber 2      Jim Baer  3      Chuck Crain 3      Bill Thomas 4      Jonathan Feazell 5      Matt Todd 7      Griffin Barrington 7      Rich Drewes 7      Savanah Hofer 9      Bill Jenkins 9      Larry Johnson 9      Johanna Reinhart 10    Kelsey Listerman 10    Carol Richmond 11    Noble Toney 13    Pete Roberts 15    Mike Handy 15    Kara Marado 15    Chase Walter 16    John Curry 16    Scott Shriver 18    Mary Jo McFadden 23    Roger Gates 23    Russ Logsdon 24    David Feazell 24    Alex Logsdon 25    Vicki Shriver 26    Betty Barnhart 27     Barbara Skipper 28     Anthony Sunderhaus    NOVEMBER (SWEET) NOTHINGS Around November 17, the Leonids meteor shower reaches its peak. The green bean casserole was created by the Campbell Soup Company and more specifically by Dorcas Reilly.  In 2002, Campbell donated the original recipe card written by Dorcas to the National Inventors Hall of Fame—securing the iconic dish and Dorcas’ place in food history. The first Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade didn't feature any balloons. It did have puppets riding the floats, as well as singers and celebrities and of course, Santa Claus. Only male turkeys — appropriately named gobblers — actually make the sound. Female turkeys cackle instead. QUESTION OF THE MONTH After the flood, how many people left the ark ahead of Noah? Find the answer by reading every word of every article in the newsletter. (Ha ha made you read—Ed.) Johnny Cash's "A Boy Named Sue" was penned by beloved children's author Shel Silverstein.  (Sing it!) While many believe Hydrox cookies are an Oreo knock-off, Hydrox actually came first—in 1908, four years before the Oreo. (Are you craving an Oreo now?) "Jay" used to be slang for "foolish person." So when a pedestrian ignored street signs, he was referred to as a "jaywalker." (Tempted to jaywalk? Don’t)

We welcome your feedback on the newsletter. We CRAVE your feedback like vanilla ice cream craves hot fudge, What is missing from the newsletter that you would like to see? Is there anything you like about it ? Let me know. Thanks, nancy. [email protected] Now here is your bonus for reading this section. What did the pirate say when he turned 80? aye matey.