January 2020

2019 ANNUAL REPORT OF THE PASTOR

At the thresholds of time such as a new year, I often find myself singing “Seasons of Love” from the Musical Rent.  Five hundred, twenty five thousand, six hundred minutes. How do you measure, measure a year? In daylights, in sunsets, In midnights, in cups of coffee, In inches, in miles, in laughter, in strife? How do you measure a year in a life?   I first measure this year in the life of our congregation with the three timeless marks the Apostle Paul offers at the close of 1 Corinthians 13 – faith, hopeand love. As I cast my gaze back upon 2019 for this annual report, I offer up the following moments as ways the ministry of our church transformed individual lives, impacted the Oxford Community and touched the world. Read More

2019 ANNUAL REPORT OF THE ASSOCIATE PASTOR It’s the start of a new year. It’s the start of a new  decade.   Can you believe it?  I was just thinking about how much has changed in my own life over the past decade.  This time in 2010, I was preparing for my final semester of seminary, getting ready to graduate and to head out into the world and begin a ministry career.  Can you remember where you were ten years ago?  How has your life changed in the past decade? The start of a new year can serve as a bit of a measuring stick in our lives.  They can help us measure how much we’ve grown, where we’ve been, the choices we’ve made (both good and bad), and where we hope we’re going.  In addition to a new decade, it has also been the end of my first full year here at Oxford Presbyterian Church.  It’s hard to believe a year has flown by already. Read More

UPCOMING EVENTS UPCOMING EVENTS February 2 – Souper Bowl of Caring February 21 –  Jack Gifford Celebration of Life  – 3-5pm Goggin Arena See more below February 24 – March 1 – Visit from one of our Russian Mission Partners – Igor Maksakov Tuesday, February 25 – Pancake Dinner 5-7pm Seminary Community Room Wednesday, February 26 Lent begins.  Ash Wednesday service in the Seminary See more below

CHRISTIAN EDUCATION NEWS  As the season of Lent approaches, look forward in the coming weeks to CE opportunities.  Watch for more information in the bulletins, Voice and Newsletter

CCNS Priority Enrollment for the 2020-2021 school year will begin the week of February 2, 2020. If you would like an enrollment packet, contact Miss Sarah. Please note: All priority applications and contracts should be submitted by March 2, 2020.  Open Enrollment will begin the week of March 2, 2020.  If you have any questions please contact Miss Sarah:  [email protected] CCNS Candle & Usborne Fundraisers: Our candle fundraiser helped raise $752.35. A big THANK YOU to all the families and friends who participated. A few new items were purchased for the classroom and we are looking into a few field trip ideas! Thanks again!  We are also planning an Usborne Book Spring Fundraiser (online) to earn free books and educational tools for our classroom! More information to come!   Sarah Lake

ASH WEDNESDAY   The forty days of Lent begins Wednesday, February 26 known as Ash Wednesday. There will be a light supper in the Seminary Church at 5:30 p.m.  You may bring bread or fruit to compliment the soup that will be provided.      Ashes from Palm Sunday palms will be used during the worship service that begins at 6:30 p.m. on the second floor of the Seminary Church. Communion will be served. All are invited to attend these events that usher in the Lenten Season.  Lynn Cronk

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, Chris & Hank Krueger, Ruth Miller, Becky Rudolph, Sarah Soika, Joan Teckman, Stacey Winn, John & Jean Woodruff.  Lord in Your Mercy, Hear Our Prayers

THANK YOU Christmas time for the Worship and Music committee is a busy one. We decorated the sanctuary and the Molyneaux lounge, put out poinsettias, took them down for the Celebration at the Manger, then back up again, took pew pads off for Christmas Eve, then of course back on again and got candles ready for the Christmas Eve service.  After Epiphany, we took everything down and packed it up for next year.  With two of our members out of commission with ankle injuries, we had to enlist extra help, so we would like to thank the following people:   Judy Fisher, Katya Fisher, Alexis Hoppes (Judy’s granddaughter), Diane Young, Steve Flee, Scott and Nancy Parkinson, Brad Cronk, Dennis Deahl, Abby, Hannah, Lucy and Sadie Chaney, Kim Logsdon, and Charles Dickerson.   I might have missed a few people helping to take off the pew pads, but I thank you as well!!  It’s always a beautiful time of year in our church and we so appreciate all your help for making it possible. The Worship and Music Committee

THANK YOU The generosity of our congregation has been overwhelming! Because of you our Christmas sanctuary tree was depleted of all mittens and shoes. That means there were many happy children who received welcome gifts of clothes and toys. We gave $2,284 to the Oxford Resource Center who made sure our neediest children received gifts at Christmas. And besides helping our own community, you donated $971.50 for the Russian orphan children to have warm shoes this winter and shoes that really fit! This act of kindness means so much to that part of the world. I'm sure we will get some pictures of happy children with their new shoes. Thank you so, so much for extending your care, concern, and money to help so many of God's children. Karen Shearer

PLEASE JOIN THE GIFFORD FAMILY In a Celebration of Life for Dr. Jack Gifford Friday, February 21, 2020 3:00 - 5:00 p.m. Goggin Ice Arena, Club Lounge You are invited to bring notes of remembrance, pictures, and/or share stories of how Jack impacted your life. Donations may be made to honor Jack's service and affection for Miami by sending contributions to the Miami University Foundation, Jack Gifford Fund, 725 East Chestnut, Oxford, OH 45056.

JANUARY SESSION MEETING With the start of a new year Pastor Lawrence encouraged session committees to lean into our resources, lean into our community, lean into leadership development. Sue Skillings was elected Treasurer and Judy Fisher Clerk for the coming year. Special offerings throughout the year were approved. These include: Youth Souper Bowl, One Great Hour of Sharing, Pentecost, Peace and Global Witness, Christmas Eve Joy, Third Sunday Community Change. A motion from the Mission and Outreach Committee that the Oxford Presbyterian Church becomes a Matthew 25 congregation was approved. The focus for OPC will be eradicating systemic poverty by acting on our beliefs and working to change laws, policies, plans and structures in society that perpetuate economic exploitation of people who are poor. The core team of Called to Life will be meeting soon to plan the next steps toward implementing the goals set forth at the January 18, 2020 retreat. Judy Fisher Clerk

COMMITTEES OF SESSION Highlights Stewardship and Finance Take Five : Our members and their families have given generously in 2019. Through the hard work of our gift liaison Bill King, they have given $269,228 in major gifts of $1,000+ and $5,805 in smaller gifts in addition to regular pledging. Since the beginning of gifts record keeping in November of 2017, the total now exceeds over one million dollars. Thank you! Katie Payne Worship and Music Take Five The Committee completed the following three actions at its January meeting. ·        Planned for Ash Wednesday and Maundy Thursday worship services. ·        Reviewed the proposed 2020 budget for the committee. ·        Thanked Dick Munson for his excellent service as Committee Chair and welcomed Bill Scott as the new Chair. Bill Scott Mission and Outreach Take Five Mission and Outreach to recommend to Session that OPC become a Matthew 25 Congregation, the priority being eradicating systemic poverty, with Mission and Outreach taking the lead. We welcomed new members Marcia Perry and Melanie Zeigler. Carol Schaber Trustees Various tasks will be done at the Seminary including replacement of the new back door and kitchen door, installing the stage railing, hanging the cross, repairing the lock on the women’s restroom door, building a new locking sub-closet for the AV equipment and obtaining a bid for a new roof Also coming is a railing in the Memorial building corridor outside PastorMarc’s office. The Trustees approved a Seminary building use request for a workshop on organic gardening from the Oxford Farmer’s Market.

OXFORD PRESBYTERIAN WOMEN Tuesday Afternoon Circle The Tuesday Afternoon Circle will meet on February 18in the Country Kitchen at The Knolls. Pat Gifford will conduct the lesson. An optional lunch for $8 is available at noon in the café by making reservations with Lynn Cronk, 524-8574 or [email protected] by Friday, February 14.  Visitors and guests are always welcome to attend this lunch and meeting. NOTE: March 17 the Tuesday Afternoon Circle will not meet. It is Election Day and many of our participants are busy working the polls.  Tuesday Evening Circle Will meet at 7:30, February 4 at the home of Karen Simpson,1325 Dana.  Sue Wilson is the co-hostess.  All are welcome

MARK YOUR CALENDAR! The OPW spring brunch is scheduled for April 18, which will be here before we know it.

HONORED WOMEN The Honored Woman Award is given annually to one or two women in our congregation who have faithfully, willingly and joyfully given their time and talents to the work of the church.  We celebrate their many contributions to Oxford Presbyterian Women and to the congregation of Oxford Presbyterian Church. They are awarded a  pin and Honorary Life Membership which was established early last century in the Presbyterian Church to honor faithful service to their church and Presbyterian Women.

The pin shows caring supportive  hands  to represent women who seek to build an inclusive community of Presbyterian Women. The  leaf represents growth of our personal and corporate response to Jesus Christ as we nurture our faith.  The  dove indicates our work for peace in our own lives and throughout the world, shown in the globe.  At the center of the design is the  cross , by which our sins are forgiven and we are freed to live in Christ who is at the center of our lives.  The overall design is of a  butterfly , a symbol of newness in Christ.   Nominations for Honored Woman are due  February 28 th .  Please consider thoughtfully any woman in our congregation you feel deserving of this award by writing a letter detailing her contributions of time and talent to the life and mission of Oxford Presbyterian Church.   Please send your nomination letter describing her work to Lynn Cronk, 165 Hunter Woods Drive, Oxford, OH 45056 or  [email protected] .  Only nominations received in 2020 will be considered.  If you have questions please call Lynn Cronk at 513-524-8574.  Many thanks for participating in the Honored Woman Award, which has been presented to 132 deserving individuals since 1967.  (A few years men were awarded this award).   Lynn Cronk

DEACONS Take Five: Having new Deacons at our meeting, we spent most of our time acclimating them to the work of our numerous committees. Our "angels" were also a very important part of this meeting.  We need congregational input of people who qualify and may need to be added to our visitations . Angel assignments were then made. The Deacons also decided to help out a family who lost everything in a fire. They have 4 Talawanda children. Karen Shearer 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.

DEAR FRIENDS This is an article that makes an argument about wanting to be a drum major, or choosing to be a drummer. It references Dr. King, and really spoke to me.  Your sister in Christ,  Joni Marcum We Volunteer To Help Others, But Research Shows How Much It Helps Us, Too By Jamil Zaki “ Everybody can be great, because everybody can serve.” — Martin Luther King Jr., Ebenezer Baptist Church, Feb. 4, 1968 King ‘called it the drum major instinct, “a desire to be out front, a desire to lead the parade, a desire to be first. To admire ourselves, we cut down other groups, even other nations, and devolve into reckless aggression — which King called a “suicidal thrust that we see in the world today.” A half-century later, we still see it. But if the drum major instinct is poison, there is an antidote. Let’s call it the drummer’s instinct: an urge not to lead the parade, but to be part of it — in rhythm with others, creating something together that no one could alone. The drum major instinct zooms us in on ourselves, but the drummer’s instinct drives us to care for our band mates, and it runs deep.” Where the drum major instinct depletes us, the drummer’s instinct fulfills us. …Those who helped others were most likely to thrive…This pattern, too, is widespread. Children and adults drew joy from helping others... Doctors who feel compassion for their patients burn out less often…Colleagues who support one another perform more effectively…And older adults who volunteer live longer and remain healthier than those who don’t.” As Joni points out, OPC has a multitude of “drummers.” Read the whole article from the Washington Post (use this search: zaki volunteer post) Answer to the Q of the M Cabbage. The others are vegetables that grow underground.

CONGRATULATIONS DUE! CARLA BLACKMAR RICE NAMED OXFORD CITIZEN OF THE YEAR FOR 2019! MIKE RUDOLPH NAMED CITIZEN OF THE YEARS! Carla’s nomination letter includes the following:  “She is a community activist for ‘green’ environmental practices. Specifically, in terms of leadership, Carla is the founder, leader and administrator of a group called “Take3 Oxford. The purpose of the group is to pick up litter in Oxford…The ‘gimmick’ is to pick up and dispose of three plastic pieces of trash on every walk.” (Do you remember when Carla invited the OPC congregation to get on board, and after worship we cleaned up around the church area? —Ed.)  “She lives her ideals quietly, but publicly.  She and her family chose to live in the Mile Square so that they could live a primarily car-free lifestyle…Thanks, Carla.  You lead by example by the way you and your family live and all the hard work you put into your community.  You are such an inspiration and a great teacher.” Mike’s letter of nomination includes the following:  “…if you want to get something done, ask a busy person…This is certainly the case with Mike…he is always busy and always getting something done…His spirit has remained strong and consistent…we got to see a great role model for giving back and taking care of your community…if he sees a need and thinks he can help, he will. We are all lucky to have such a passionate supporter.” OPC is extraordinarily proud of these Citizens!  Give them a pat on the back and a THANK YOU when you see them next. To read more, see the article in the Oxford Press from Sunday, January 5, 2020.

PER CAPITA Per capita is a set amount of money — sometimes referred to as “apportionment” — per member that congregations pay to the larger Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.).  Said another way, it is like a Presbyterian community fund — part of the glue that holds Presbyterians together. Because Presbyterians share in the benefit of the PC(USA)’s system of government, everyone shares the expenses associated with performing the functions of that system. OPC 2020 per capita is $52.20 per member.   When Presbyterians participate in per capita, they’re saying, “I’m in. I’m a part of this denomination. We are connected to it. We intend to support it.”

MINUTES OF LEADERSHIP RETREAT January 18, 2020 Officers, members and friends of the Oxford Presbyterian Church congregation gathered in the community room of the Seminary Building on January 18, 2020 for the annual retreat. The purpose of the retreat was turning our Congregational Call into action. Fellowship and refreshments preceded the 9:00 a.m. opening of the meeting. Prayer was offered by the Moderator, the Rev. Lawrence H. Bartel. Five Congregational Calls had emerged for discussion at the Congregational Retreat held on December 8, 2019.    Caring for Creation                     Eradicating Systemic Poverty Third Thirty                      Fostering a Culture of Inclusion   Addressing Food Insecurity Two of those Calls appeared to create the most energy and enthusiasm. Caring for Creation and Eradicating Systemic Poverty were explored in depth at this retreat. John Bailer, Carla Blackmar Rice and Pat Gifford explained the agenda for the morning. Participants gathered around small tables to brainstorm and use a rubric created by the Core Team to make the Calls translate into action. Another table of folks gathered to discuss Education/Other. Comments included: be THE climate change congregation; become a GREEN CENTER in Oxford; education through “Life’s Guiding Hands”; really commit to an idea and carry through; Seminary is a great space but too costly for many groups; work with the city to lease unoccupied apartments at a lower rate; set up coalitions with other groups in town; perhaps some policy changes are necessary; low income housing; be more effective with our resources; open discussions with non-OPC people; free laundry that could expand to other basic needs (food, dry goods, etc.); if Seminary is used often it may need an administrator. Where do we go from here? The Called to Life Core Team will now consider three topics: Caring for Creation, Eradication of Systemic Poverty, and Life Skills.  Two congregation members for each Call will develop a proposal for each of these topics using the rubric to establish project viability.  A proposed budget will also be determined.  The retreat was closed with prayer at 1:00 p.m. Respectfully submitted Julia R. Fisher Clerk  (Judy gratefully acknowledges help with the minutes from Pat Gifford.)

GIVING FOR GOD We are blessed with a congregation that is exceptionally benevolent in providing the resources needed to accomplish God’s work. During the past year, major gifts totaling over $269,000 were extended to meet a wide variety of needs that could not have been met via our operating budget. Now that we are in a new year, the generosity continues. Recent gifts include $1,000 from Henry Herold in memory of his wife Judy in appreciation for the work of the deacons, $1,874 was donated from an anonymous donor to support repairs on the Memorial organ, $1,000 was given by another anonymous donor for the purchase of a display case to feature our heritage and Dale and Ginny Layton provided a gift of $1,000 to support the work of our sister church in Zlatoust, Russia. An additional anonymous donor gave a gift $100,000 which will support our journey outward as well as our journey inward. $50,000 of that amount will provide the funds needed to complete the building renovation work of our sister church in Russia and the remaining $50,000 will cover the costs of upgrading the comprehensive communications system in the Memorial sanctuary. Kate Wespiser has donated a gift of $70,000 to establish an endowment in memory of her husband Joe. The endowment will generate interest and be applied to the purchase of a replacement for the current organ as that need is determined necessary in the future. What a wonderful way to remember Joe who so enjoyed our music program. Thanks to all those who step up in many ways to help as needs are ever evolving. You are appreciated! Bill King Special Gifts Coordinator

CHURCH SERVICES AT THE KNOLLS Come join us on February 11 & 25 at The Knolls as we view one of our recent Presbyterian Church services. We'll be located in the Activity Room of the Healthcare wing and will begin at 10 A.M. Anyone wanting to join us is welcome. Becky Quay

VIOLET SUIT 608 Melinda Dr. Oxford Violet Suit has lived in Oxford for 51 years. She has been a member of the Oxford Presbyterian Church for all of those years.   She came to Oxford in 1967 with her husband, Walter N. Suit, Jr. They chose Oxford because it was midway between the Cincinnati and Dayton airports, which made it convenient for Walter’s business trips. They appreciated Oxford’s good schools for their children. Violet has always loved Oxford. She remembers when it was a small village and when it became a city.  Walter and Violet have four children: Greg, Carolyn, Bruce and Amy. They also have seven grandchildren and seven great grandchildren.    Violet was baptized a Methodist in Bright, Indiana. She and her husband, Walter, were married in the Methodist Church in Cleves, Ohio. But Violet and her family joined the Presbyterian Church when they came to Oxford. They raised their family in this church. Violet remembers Reverend Robert Foster as the first minister she knew in the church. She particularly remembers that after the service he would take the hands of his two young granddaughters and lead them down the aisle. She was especially grateful to Reverend Joe Hookey for his kindness when her husband, Walter, passed away. She greatly appreciates Pastor Lawrence and Pastor Marc. Violet served as a deacon twice and an elder once. She has been a member of the Evening Women’s Circle and helped in the Christmas Bazaar for many years.   Before he died, Walter volunteered for many years to manage the Church furnace. He came in early every Sunday morning to make sure the boiler generated enough heat. There is a plaque on the front left-hand window in the sanctuary, dedicated to Walter.   Violet also served as a volunteer for the Oxford Swim Team, especially when Bruce and Amy were competing in swim meets.   Her youngest daughter, Amy McGoldrick, has carried on Violet’s dedication to church. Violet and Amy both care deeply about the Oxford Presbyterian Church Family.     Arly Allen

TOPSS UPDATE January 6, 2020 Friends at Oxford Presbyterian Church:  I am writing to update you on the progress of the TOPSS new facility plan.  During 2019, we worked with Norman Butt of The Architectural Group, and Greg Koch of Bayer Becker, and developed a finalized blueprint and site plan for our new facility, to be located in Merry Day Park in Oxford.  Because of the challenge of fund-raising, we secured a 3-year extension of the groundbreaking date from the City.  We are paying on our lease and will have fulfilled our commitment if we break ground for the new facility by January of 2023. Prior to 2019, we had received a $7,000 seed grant from a local faith community to begin planning of the new facility.  During 2019, we received an additional $28,178.99 in donations from individuals and organizations.  Already in 2020, we have received an additional donation of $51,167.77, making for a total of $86,346.76 already received from individuals and organizations. We have several sizeable additional pledges.  We have not yet launched a formal, public, full-fledged campaign but are, as you know, contacting individuals and organizations less formally. In March or April of 2020, we will move to co-locate with the Family Resource Center, renting Buildings 1 and 3 of their property.  This move will provide us with more space so that we can expand our nutrition-related services, for example, to hopefully sponsor after-school programming that will feature healthy snacks and exercise, provision of nutrition-related information, and involvement in gardening, with mentoring by Nutrition students at Miami and our staff. Co-locating will also allow us to more closely collaborate with the Family Resource Center to better serve our shared customer base.  We will hold an open house to welcome the community to our new location.  We anticipate having no disruption of service to our customers with the move.   Finally, this move will give us some time to plan and conduct a more comprehensive fund-raising campaign for the new facility. We welcome further collaboration with your committee as we move forward with our plans. You’ll be hearing from me again in two months time. Sincerely Ann Fuehrer, Executive Director, TOPSS [email protected]      513-523-3851

Scott and Nancy Parkinson often work behind the scenes, picking up litter and tending the church gardens. THANK YOU!

I am a child of God. Baptism Rocks! January 12 worship service Photo by John Bailer

Our talented organist, Lynn Jacobson. Not often seen, but so lovely to hear!!!

Oxford Presbyterian Church Staff web page:  www.oxfordpresbychurch.org Office Hours: 8:30-4:30, M-F Telephone: 513-523-6364 Fax: 513-523-8215 Seminary Building: 513-523-7411

Pastor: 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: Nick Fears   [email protected] Youth Director: Currently Seeking Director/Teacher C.C.N.S.:  Sarah Lake:                                                          ccnsoxfordpreschool@gmail .com     Newsletter Editor:  Nancy Moeckel,     [email protected] Custodian: Priscilla Parks Sexton: Currently Seeking CLICK Here to see list of Elders, Deacons and Trustees

FEBRUARY BIRTHDAYS 4       Lawretta Clum 5       Elsa Friede 5       Finnigan Friede 5       Eric Staley 9       Ginny Staberg 10     Jenny Bailer 11    Evan Bader 11    Carl Vance 14     Katherine Butterfield 14   Karen Remley 16     Ginny Layton 16     Judy Schiller 16     Mary Shinn 17      Sue Siegel 18      Susan King 21      Leanne Staley 23      Ruth Keebler 23      Timothy Richmond 25      Kristie Rezanka 25      Katie Saylor 27      Missy Friede 27      Tom Holmes  FEBRUARY FOLLIBLES Thoughts of the Dog: sometimes. my hooman needs a break from the world. so i grab my leash. drop it in her hand. and we take a walk. where all we have to focus on. is putting one paw in front of the other Is it true you are starting a war on hyperbole? Yes and it’s going to be the greatest war EVER! How did you get hit on the head by a book?  I have only my shelf to blame. QUESTION OF THE MONTH One of the four words does not belong with the other three. Which word does not belong? What is it that the others have in common? Carrots, radishes, potatoes, cabbages Ohhhhh, this one takes some figuring. While you are thinking, read the WHOLE newsletter in search of the hidden answer. Feb 1, 1964 -  I Want To Hold Your Hand  by The Beatles was number 1 on the Billboard music charts.  Beatles fans, that was 56 years ago!  Do you remember all the lyrics?  (Yes I do, but don’t ask me what I had for breakfast today—Ed.) Punxsutawney Phil’s official full name is Punxsutawney Phil, Seer of Seers, Sage of Sages, Prognosticator of Prognosticators, and Weather Prophet Extraordinary (Say that 3 times real fast!)

We welcome your feedback on the newsletter. We CRAVE your feedback like Minnie craves digging for moles. What is missing from the newsletter that you would like to see? Is there anything you like about it ? Let me know. [email protected] Now here is your bonus for reading this section. A general rule of grammar is that double negatives are a no-no.