October 2019
LISTENING TO THE HEARTBEAT OF GOD–
FROM PASTOR LAWRENCE
The embodiment of our better angels .

I’ve carried these words in my heart and mind for several days. These words lodged in my heart when they were spoken in tribute by an individual about a long-time friend and colleague who passed away that was the embodiment of our better angels . The words uncovered the memory of Abraham Lincoln’s lyrical and passionate appeal to the  better angels of our nature with the closing of his first inaugural address.

Embodying our better angels isn’t accidental. If left to chance, our worst impulses often respond first in times of change and uncertainty.

FROM PASTOR MARC’S DESK ...

My friend, David LaMotte, who is an author, a folk singer, and peacemaking advocate once told me that “a meaningful relationship is made up of mutual risk. It can only be made up of that. If we want to connect with [those whom we care about], we have to take some chances...” I’ve been thinking about that a bit this week. What does that mean?

I suppose on some level, building community is risky. Opening yourself up to a new community, church, or group of friends, sharing our struggles with a close friend or loved one, or (I suppose) even lifting up prayer concerns in a semi- public way on Sunday morning can be a bit of a risk. You’re putting yourself out there, and you can’t always control how it will be received. Will I be embraced by the love and support of my community, or will I get hurt? It’s a risk. Maybe sometimes it feels a little safer to just keep our acquaintances safely on the surface level.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Oct 5: Blessing of the Pets

Oct 6: World Communion Sunday

Oct 6, 13: New Members Experience
Oct 20: New Member Sunday

Oct 6:  Seminary Cinema  First Reformed ( Seminary Cinema and Multi-Faith Film Festival)


Oct: 17, 18, 19 Rummage Sale

Oct 16, 17, 25, 28: “Listening is an Act of Love”  Heartbeat article 

Oct 20:  Kids Coalition Against Hunger Food Packing Event

Oct 27: Heritage Sunday Celebration with Bagpiper

Oct 30: Community Meal 5:30 in the Seminary Community Room


Community Youth Group News Read More

2019 World Food Week of Action Read More
CCNS NEWS
Back to School:
On Tuesday, September 3, 2019 the CCNS classroom opened its doors to begin the 2019-2020 school year. We’ve filled the classroom with bright smiles and bellies full of laughter for over two weeks now- time is already going by quickly! We’ve reviewed the letter A, B the colors red & blue, started our new Christian Curriculum, extended our playtime for the first couple weeks (so we are able to meet our friends), continue to practice our daily songs, prayers, 
spelling and identifying our names, remembering birthdays and every day we have the opportunity to gain more knowledge. 

OPC Playground THANK YOU:
Thank you to everyone at the Oxford Presbyterian Church who helped with the playground makeover. There have been many compliments from our CCNS families and from other members in the Oxford community. Thanks again!   

October Field Trips: 
Both CCNS classes will be visiting Wendel Farms for a structured, yet age-appropriate program that has been designed for the children to gain a better understand of the agricultural life! Our Monday, Wednesday and Friday class will also visit the Woodland Country Manor on Monday, October 28, 2019 to trick or treat with the residents. We are looking forward to all of our special trips in October! 

Sarah Lake, CCNS Administrator/Teacher
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, Breanna Kinneman, Ruth Miller, Jan Reinhart, Becky Rudolph, Sarah Soika, Joan Teckman, Stacey Winn, John & Jean Woodruff
Lord in Your Mercy, Hear Our Prayers

JOYS
On October 7, we celebrate with the Deahl family the first anniversary of Madelynn’s Christian Baptism. Madelynn is the daughter of Bob and Amy Deahl, Sister of R.J. and Evelyn and granddaughter of Pam and Dennis Deahl.             
DID YOU KNOW?

The Great Ends of the Church ( found in the  Book of Order (at F-1.0304) are
·       The proclamation of the gospel for the salvation of humankind;
·       The shelter, nurture, and spiritual fellowship of the children of God; 
·       The maintenance of divine worship;
·       The preservation of the truth;
·       The promotion of social righteousness; 
·       and The exhibition of the Kingdom of Heaven to the world. 
These phrases embody the six  great  purposes of the  church, have helped establish the course for mission and ministry, and present basic works to our denomination that are the heart of who the  church  is and what the  church  is called to do.  Do you know where in OPC these Great Ends are represented?

My Gifts Matter!

Throughout the history of Oxford Presbyterian Church, we have been blessed with a dedicated and generous congregation. As our heritage evolved, members have assumed responsibility to do whatever needed to be done by sharing their gifts of time, talent and resources.

We are approaching another season of stewardship to continue that heritage. While stewardship is practiced throughout each year, now is a good time to take stock of our own time, our own talents and our own resources and determine how these gifts might matter in the continued life of Oxford Presbyterian Church.

Over the next few weeks, we will focus on four areas of ministry that combine to define who we are. This year we have analyzed our comprehensive budget to determine the degree to which we support our worship function, our mission responsibilities, our fellowship opportunities and our Christian education efforts. The figures are derived from last year’s budget and are presented with respect to distribution into each category of Christian witness. 

OXFORD PRESBYTERIAN WOMEN


Tuesday Afternoon Circle
The Tuesday Afternoon Circle will meet October 15 at 1:30 in the Country Kitchen at the Knolls. Lynn Cronk 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, October 11 at 524-7748.
Visitors and guests are always welcome to attend this lunch and meeting of Presbyterian Women. 

Tuesday Evening Circle
Will meet at 7:30pm on October 1, 2019 at the home of Sue Wilson, 61 Scarlet Oak Circle (the Knolls) 524-7446. Nancy Sturgeon will be the co-hostess. Janet Ziegler will do the program. Jean O’Connell has the Devotion. Anyone needing a ride should contact Karen Simpson, 523-8363.


FALL RUMMAGE SALE
This event is a major fundraiser for mission
YOUR GIFTS MATTER

Your gifts of time and materials are what will make this rummage sale a success.  You can help turn rummage into blessings. Not exactly water into wine, and yet, for some, very close.  Your donations are priced purposely to be affordable for those in our community who may not have as many blessings as we do.  And we have many return customers seeking clothes, shoes, warm coats, kids clothes and gifts and so much more.  We donate items to the woman’s shelter Dove House, clean but perhaps holey blankets and rugs to the dog shelter, small suitcases or satchels to foster children who often move with paper bags and leftovers go to Goodwill. The money raised ALL goes to OPW missions, local, state and international.

We need you to help with donating those gently used blessings for the sale, to give of your time to accept donations, set up and price items, be there to help with shoppers, help check out purchases and help clean up.
Check the schedule below and mark your calendar now for the times you’ll be at the Seminary to ensure this important event will be a success and a blessing!  Give what you can, when you can.  It will all add up to success if we each participate by offering our special gifts.


Weekend Donation Times—Drop off at the Seminary
Saturday Oct 12, 10am-12pm
Sunday Oct 13, 2pm-5pm.

Prep Days—Sort, display and price items
Monday Oct 14     10am to 6pm
Tuesday Oct 15      10am to 6pm
Wednesday Oct 16  10am to 6pm

THE SALE
Thursday Oct 17  6pm to 8pm
Friday Oct 18  10am to 3pm
Saturday Oct 19  ALL BAG SALE  10am to noon

Clean Up. Leftovers to Goodwill
Saturday Oct 19  noon to 1pm  
(Many hands make short work)
Jane Baer
Spring Street, Oxford Ohio

Jane has been a life-long member of the Oxford Presbyterian Church. In fact, she was born in the same year the foundation stone of the Memorial Church was laid. She and the Memorial Church have grown up together. Equally important is the fact that music and the choir have been a major part of her life. 

Jane was known for having a beautiful soprano voice. She joined the choir while in high school in 1940 and was a member for 70 years. She especially remembers when Edward G. Mead was the choir director and organist.  

DEACONS

Deacons Blood Drive:  Oxford Presbyterian Church Blood Drive at McCullough-Hyde Memorial Hospital. Location: Blood Mobile -  Thursday, October 10 - 9:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.  Appointments Encouraged.
Sign up:  DonorTime.com/Sponsor Code #324 

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.

URGENT NOTICE
The prayer shawl supply is getting low. Get your hooks and needles working! See Cornelia if you need yarn.
SEPTEMBER SESSION MEETING

Opening devotional was based on two sections from the Book of Order. Discussion followed the reading of  Notes of the Reformed Church (F1.0303)  and Great Ends of the Church (F1.0304). 

A review of members and friends of OPC making the Journey Outward through mission trips, camps, partnerships, volunteering in the community, activities with Miami students, was presented. This led to a motion to create a task force that will plan and sustain our journey outward, and creative a proactive strategy for funding these endeavors.

Facilities Planning committee is handing off to the trustees, the responsibility of moving forward with the handicapped accessible restroom in the Memorial Building.

New members will be received on October 20. Classes will be held on the two Sundays preceding that date.

Called to Life sessions are underway with over 40 people participating and growing.

Detailed report from the September Presbytery meeting was given by Commissioner Danny Cross.

Christian Cooperative Nursery School 2020 projected budget was approved by the Stewardship and Finance Committee. CCNS enrollment for 2019/2020 is complete.

Judy Fisher
Clerk


We offer special recognition and THANK YOU to our 50 year + members!  We have been blessed with your wisdom and dedication to Oxford Presbyterian Church. 
Jane Baer
John Baer
Jay Baird
Betty Barnhart
JoAnne Bogard
Ken Bogard
Carol Bowers
Fred Brower
Mary Jane Brower
Mary Isabel Caspar
Rodger Cromer
Danny Cross
Judy Cross
John Curry
Marilyn Curry
Debbie Davidson
Jean Derickson 
Mel Derickson
Bob Douglass
Sandy Douglass
Tom Fey
Judy Fisher
Nancy Gates
Louise Griffing
Dick Keebler
Ruth Keebler
Margaret Keister
Jane Kelly
Bill King
Susan King
Randy Listerman
Susan Maxfield
Alan Mehl
Rachel Mehl
Marty Miller
Ruth Miller
Dick Nelson
Marian Nelson
Mary Niehoff
Mickey Preston
Jan Reinhart
Becky Rudolph
Barbara Skipper
Charles Skipper
Sarah Jane Soika
Nancy Sturgeon
Violet Suit
Charles Teckman
Joan Teckman
Dolly Thomas
Betty Tomblinson
Jack Vaughn
Marlene Vaughn
Dick Wespiser
Joe Wespiser
Kate Wespiser
Opal Wespiser
Jean Woodruff
John Woodruff
.
To be a follower of Jesus Christ is about connecting our stories with God’s stories.
--Anonymous
ANNOUNCEMENTS

CHURCH SERVICES AT THE KNOLLS

Church services on DVD will be shown once again at The Knolls on October 8 & 22. Come and join us in the Activity Room at 10:00. Pastor Marc will be joining us for the Oct. 8 service and his visit will include communion. If you would like to come, but need a ride, call Becky Quay at 513-523-5747.

NEW MEMBERS EXPERIENCE

If you are interested in learning more about Oxford Presbyterian Church or what joining our church family might look like we invite you to join Pastor Marc for our New Members Experience on Oct. 6th and Oct. 13th. New Members Sunday will be Oct. 20th. Topics to be presented include what Presbyterians believe, our governance, a brief history of the Oxford Presbyterian Church, what it means to be a member, and matching your talents and time to service opportunities! There will be plenty of time for questions and discussion. Please contact the church office (523-6364) or Pastor Marc [email protected] if you would like to sign up.
FULL CIRCLE

Fifty years ago there was a young coed at Miami who needed some extra money for her college expenses. There was also a family, in Oxford, with five children who needed a babysitter. An office at Miami took information from students looking for work to help to their college expenses. Through the magic of the telephone and a real person who answered the telephone, the harried Mom connected with a student whom we will call Martha (not her real name). Martha became indispensable to the family we will call Goodwin (again, not their real name).  

During the unrest on college campuses at the time of the Kent State shootings, Miami experienced difficult times as well. Dr. Shriver issued an edict that all students should vacate the campus. During that semester Martha was doing her student teaching in a nearby town and did not want to interrupt this vital part of her education. So, she camped out on the Goodwin's couch (no extra beds were available) for several days.

The next Christmas the three young Goodwin girls wore red and white dresses in Martha’s wedding.

Life moves on. Martha married, raised a family, taught in nearby school districts - had a busy life. Likewise, the Goodwin’s managed to raise their family and see a bit of the world. Communication dried up.

Fast forward to September 2019. Martha is church-shopping and happens to be at OPC on a Sunday when the invitation went out to the Call to Life groups that were being formed. She sees the Goodwin name and follows up. She appears at the introductory meeting at the Goodwin home and a heartwarming reunion takes place.

Life does truly go full circle.



Acolyte Spencer,
taking his job seriously.



Gathering acorns to plant with Dick Munson in our “Trees for Life” ministry.

Blessing our beautiful new ramp. Many of us have special reasons to rejoice in this access for all.

Lunch on Us friends, Sophie, Cori and Carrie Ann, at this event of OPCCM (Oxford Presbyterian Church Campus Ministry
Welcome Back Picnic.
A great time of fellowship and fun.

Oxford Presbyterian Church Staff
Office Hours: 8:30-4:30, M-F
Telephone: 513-523-6364
Fax: 513-523-8215
Seminary Building: 513-523-7411Pastor: Lawrence Bartel
Associate Pastor: Marc van Bulck
Music Director: Kent Peterson
Organist: Lynn Jacobs
Pastor Emeritus: Dr. Joseph R. Hookey
Parish Associate: Rev. Diane Ziegler
Clerk: Julia R. Fisher
Administrative Assistant: 
         Bridgite Dickerson:    [email protected]
Financial Secretary: Mary Martin
          [email protected]
Director/Teacher C.C.N.S.: 
Sarah Lake:  ccnsoxfordpreschool@gmail .com    
Newsletter Editor: 
         Nancy Moeckel: [email protected]
Custodian: Priscilla Parks
Sexton:  Robert Simpson
Answer: to the Q of the M:
all three words are pronounced
differently when the word is Capitalized.  (got ya!)



OCTOBER BIRTHDAYS


   1    Jerry Collins
   5    Eloise Hofer
   5    Christopher Jackson
   9    Steve Friede
 11    Adrienne Bader
13     Molly Todd
14     Jean Derickson
15     Noah Curry
17     Abigail Curry
17     Bob Douglass
19     Brady Saylor
21     Maya DeGennaro
21     Stephanie Hartman
23     Amy Bartel
23     Charles Watson
25     Sandy Drewes
25     Keith McGoldrick
26     Jens Bartel
26     Bonnie Stephenson
28     Derek Jordan
31    Jacob Marado










  




OCTOBER OOPS

Monday, October 8 , is a busy day, with three holidays packed into it:
Columbus Day, Indigenous Peoples’ Day and Thanksgiving in Canada

Also keep an eye out for the  Draconid meteor shower  in the late evening of Tuesday, October 9, and the  Orionid meteor shower  in the predawn hours of October 21–22. 

The last week of October is the only time of the entire year when all four major American sports have games at the same time: the MLB, NHL, NFL and NBA. (big whoop—ed.)

The word Pez as in Pez dispenser comes from the German word for peppermint PfeffErminZ

Question of the Month
(a tough one)
What do these three words have in common?
  polish  job   herb
You know the drill. Find the answer by reading every article in the newsletter.

What’s your favorite scary movie? Some are saying the new version of Stephen King’s It . Well, it does have clowns! One of my favorites is  Wait Until Dark . —ed.


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. The other day I held the door open for a clown. I thought it was a nice jester.