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  November  2016

TABLE OF CONTENTS
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SPECIAL ITEMS

Deacons   
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Presbyterian Church services on DVD are being shown at The Knolls on Nov. 1 & 22 in the Assisted Living dining room at 10:00 A.M.  All are welcome!


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Deadline for the 
December  2016
newsletter is 
November 20
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LISTENING TO THE HEART BEAT OF GOD

Sometimes I simply marvel at God's amazing grace.
More than a few years ago, I drove a blue Chevrolet Nova past the home where
we now live. 
Before we le ft campus on winter break, my college roommate invited me to visit him in 
Oxford and meet his family.
His directions were clear and accurate.  After passing the Oxford Country Club, he told me I should begin to look on the right for Prevalent Drive.  I found the street without difficulty and Aaron, my roommate, was ready to greet me.
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christianeducation
 
CHRISTIAN EDUCATION 

YOUTH GROUP NEWS
Happy Autumn! As we start to head towards the winter, plans are being made for future fellowship events and possible trips! For the month of November, we will be planning on an outside of church event that will be officially announced in the bulletin and via email. Make sure you check out the "Youth Group News" section of the bulletin for information regarding future events and activities! Looking beyond that, plans are being made for a possible Spring Retreat and Summer Mission Trip. We will hopefully have these officially planned by the end of the month, and a parent meeting will be taking place in the month of December to go over dates and further information! Just a reminder that Youth Group meets every Thursday evening from 7:00 to 8:30 in the Youth Room upstairs. Questions? Please feel free to contact Mitch Hardy at (513) 907-5641 or mitchelljameshardy@gmail.com
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ADVENT IS COMING.  ADVENT IS COMING.  
Prepare ye the way and be ready for the Christmas Season when we celebrate the birth of the Christ Child. 

When: Sunday November 20th following church at 11:15
Where : at the Seminary-

Lunch will be served: pizza and drinks provided-bring a salad, fruit or dessert to share. 

Crafts at the Seminary
Lanyards, beading and advent crafts will be available. 
Do you have a craft to share?  Call Lynn Cronk
Advent Materials
Advent calendars and devotionals will be distributed. 
Who is invited?   
All ages, children, youth, adults, college students, and older adults. 
Please call the church office if you plan to attend 
 513-523-6364
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On Thanksgiving Weekend, November 27, only the nursery and Grades k-2 will be staffed. 
 
Needed:  Volunteers to staff the nursery on Sunday Morning.  Please call Lynn Cronk. 



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cares 

CARES, CONCERNS, JOYS AND THANK YOUs
 

IN OUR PRAYERS :
Keep these friends in your prayers:
Marilyn Young, Genee Hesse,  Stacey Winn, Betty Barnhart, Cathy Fey, Marilyn Rettig, Sarah Soika, Bob Douglass, Nancy Gates
Lord in Your Mercy, Hear Our Prayers

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THANK YOU
To all the trustees who are working hard making our new pastor feel welcome by updating his office. :)
 
Nick Fears showing no fear of hard work
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Thank You To The House Committee
 
New Tables for the Seminary
The House Committee purchased four large round tables and one rectangular table for the Seminary Fellowship Hall.  The Committee also purchased four white and four red tablecloths for the round tables.  These tables have already been put to good use for the Fall Rummage Sale.  The new tables are sturdy and lightweight which makes them easier to put up and take down for various events held at the Seminary Church.



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deacons
DEACONS

COMMUNITY MEAL
NOVEMBER 30TH
Oxford Presbyterian serves the Community Meal when there is a fifth Wednesday of the month. November 30 is a fifth Wednesday; dinner will be served at 5:30pm in our Seminary Building.
There is a box by the church offices and one in the Narthex to place items for the Community Meal Pantry Needs.   If you would like to donate money for this meal, please indicate "Community Meal" on your check.
Pantry Needs:  bleach, detergent, multipurpose cleaner, dish soap, mouthwash, hand soap, body wash, shampoo, diapers (NB, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5), wipes, 9 volt batteries, baby shampoo, baby lotion, paper towels, toilet bowl cleaner.
Danny Cross
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Cornelia Browne is interested in starting A Time for Knitting. If you are interested please see her in the
Molyneaux Lounge after service. All Ages Are Welcome!
 
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 call Cornelia Browne.


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                   women

OXFORD PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH WOMEN
  
  circles

THE TUESDAY AFTERNOON CIRCLE
Will meet at The Knolls on November 15.  Someone will present the lesson, someone will present the Mission Yearbook and Lynn Cronk will lead the Least Coin.  For reservations for the optional lunch call Lawretta Clum.  Lunch begins at noon in the Café at The Knolls.  Circle meets at 1:30 in the Country Kitchen.  Visitors and guests are always welcome.

THE TUESDAY EVENING CIRCLE
Will meet November 1 in Jo Reinhart's home.  Jean O'Connell is co-hostess, Nancy Sturgeon will lead the Devotions, and Sue Wilson will present the program.

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thankyou
Thank you for another successful Rummage sale!  
We took in around $2,400 for our work.  Without the help of many volunteers to sort, set up, and sell, this wouldn't have been possible.  Many comments were heard from the buyers such as, this is always the best sale around," and "you people are always so helpful and friendly."  With feedback like that you know that everyone had an enjoyable time, even the workers.  
A sincere thank you goes to the people who devoted many, many hours to this sale.  Among them are: Carol Burkhalter, Margaret Butcher, Lynn Cronk, Lawretta Clum, Cia Beal, Jay Baird, Chuck Crain, John D, Noah, and Abby Curry, Paula and Joe Foltz, Carol and Steve Flee, Nick and Bryson Fears (and Bryson can sure move a dolly!), Bill and Katya Fisher, Tom and Grady Holmes (the best table movers around) Jane Jackson, Ginny Layton, Billie Maynard, Deanna Maxwell, Nancy Moeckel, Ruth and Marty Miller, Jean O'Connell, Mickey Preston, Becky Quay, Joy Russell, Betty Reinhart, Jan Reinhart, Jo Reinhart, Karen Shearer, Ginny Staberg, Karen, Joe and Robert Simpson, Angela Trubceac, Jean Woodruff, Sue, Dave and Jim Wilson.  Our apologies if your name was inadvertently omitted.  Please let us know, so we can properly acknowledge your help.
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Rummage leftovers: 
Where do they go?
  • We sent a box of towels to the dog shelter.
  • We sent a box of items to the Dove House Shelter for Battered Women.
  • We gave some children's clothing to Marshall School.
  • We sent some clothing for homeless teenagers in Cincinnati.
  • The rest went to Goodwill.
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cookies
IT'S THE COOKIE WALK

Saturday, December 3, from 9:00am -12:00 noon is a busy time in the Seminary. It's the annual Oxford Presbyterian's women's Cookie, Candy and Craft Sale.  Get out your favorite recipes and bake those yummy treat for us to sell, or make your creative crafts.  SERRV International Gifts will be on sale, too.  We will again have our "café" set up for tired shoppers.  You may drop off your items to sell on Friday, December 2 at the Seminary from 3:30 to 6:00pm.  Any questions, contact Karen Shearer at 523-5934.  You won't want to miss it!!!

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SESSION
session
Pastor Lawrence reflected on faith, hope, and love being the bedrock of his ministry.
 
All session members are invited to attend the November 12 meeting of the Presbytery of the Miami Valley. Lawrence Bartel will be introduced as the new pastor at OPC.  Also input from member churches is being sought as the presbytery enters a transition visioning time.  
 
Good news from Christian Education - numbers of children attending on Sunday mornings is on the increase.
 
The installation of Lawrence Bartel as our new pastor will be held on November 20, in the afternoon, at the church.
 
Approval was given for the Progressive Christian Campus Ministry to use the Seminary Building, for meetings, on most Saturday evenings from September 30, 2016 - May 20, 2017. 
 
Motion passed to set aside up to $3000 to sponsor a mission trip to Colombia for the dedication of the Bethesda Community Center in June 2017.
Judy Fisher
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finance
STEWARDSHIP AND FINANCE

Have you ever considered making a major gift to the Oxford Presbyterian Church? Perhaps it would be a memorial gift in memory of a loved one, or a special gift to acknowledge the work of a family member, or a support gift to thank God and our church for your success in life and work? Many of our members have given such a gift and our congregation has benefited greatly from these - in fact - the gift of Anna Kumler in 1925 gave us our church building with a follow on gift  from the other members of the congregation with a gift of the furnishings. We have received other gifts over the years, and they have been put to good use.
 
The Stewardship and Finance Committee invites all interested members and friends of our church to remain in the sanctuary after church on November 6, 2016 to ask questions and gain information about opportunities for special gifts and details of the process, as well as learn more of the history of special gifts and legacies to the church. We hope to see you there.

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announcements

ANNOUNCEMENTS
 installation
Installation Service for Lawrence Bartel - November 20
 
The congregation of Oxford Presbyterian Church and the Presbytery of the Miami Valley look forward to a time of celebration for the installation of our new pastor, the Rev. Lawrence H. Bartel.  The service of worship will take place in the sanctuary on November 20 at 3 p.m. in the sanctuary.  Look for more details in the coming weeks through our weekly e-newsletter.
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CHURCH SERVICES AT THE KNOLLS
Presbyterian Church services on DVD are being shown at The Knolls on Nov. 1 & 22 in the Assisted Living dining room at 10:00 A.M.  All are welcome!
(I usually do this the 2nd and 4th Tuesdays, but because of Election Day I moved one to the first Tuesday.)
Becky Quay
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sunday   
Pledge Sunday is November 13.  
Please carefully and prayerfully consider your 2017 pledge to our church. You may offer your pledge Sunday, November 13th during the service or prior to that date by placing your pledge card in the sealed box of the financial secretary located near the church mail boxes. (You can also mail the card to the church - attention financial secretary or email to finance@oxfordprebychurch.org . It is important to receive pledges by November 13 so that a proper church budget may be prepared for the 2017 church year. If necessary, your pledges may be adjusted during the year.
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The Voice from Church and Main
We've introduced a weekly news bulletin called The Voice from Church and Main.  As a supplement to this monthly newsletter, The Voice from Church and Main allows us to communicate quickly and efficiently with you about the latest ministry news and opportunities at OPC whether you are in Oxford or Orlando.
To receive this weekly news bulletin delivered by email directly to your inbox, simply go to our church website ( www.oxfordpresbychurch.org).  On the right side of the screen, click on the link "eNews sign up".  Fill in your email address and you'll be getting The Voice from Church and Main next week. 
         Alternately you may sign up by contacting the church office.
         Let's connect with and celebrate the great ministry God is accomplishing in our midst!
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decorate
Decorate at Safe Haven Farms
 
On Sunday, December 4 at 1:30pm, all interested people will meet in the church alley to carpool to Safe Haven Farms in Middletown.  This wonderful facility offers residential, day and community services where every individual is a valued and contributing member.  A therapeutic equestrian program is also offered.
 
At the farm, we will decorate the community building for the Christmas season.  The residents, aka farmers, are young autistic adults who greatly appreciate the festive feel of the many decorations that we put up for them.  It's a fun filled afternoon and we are providing a wonderful service for them.
 
Over the years we have decorated with fresh greenery, but we are now changing to artificial greenery, as it makes clean up much easier.  Our church members have donated many of the items we use.  Thank you for this and also for your time to help decorate.
 
Directions will be provided for self-drivers and for car pooling Safe Haven farms is located at 5970 No Mans Road in Middletown.  See Karen Shearer for more information.
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  mitten
The Mitten Tree 

will be bursting with mittens for children of all age.  Beginning Sunday, November 27, the first Sunday of Advent, you may remove mittens from the tree.  Each mitten has the name an age of a needy child.  Place each mitten, along with your donation of $40-$50 in the envelope inside of the mitten.  Take everything to the Molyneaux Lounge where you may place the envelope in a basket.  Checks should be made payable to Oxford Presbyterian Church.  Your donations will allow a gift(s) to be purchased by the parents of the child.
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Celebration at the Manger
  Presented bythe children and youth of Oxford Presbyterian Church
Sunday, December 18th, during the 10:00 a.m. worship service

Come witness the celebration of our Savior's birth!













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community
2016  WORLD COMMUNITY DAY
 
All are invited to Church Women United 2016 World Community Day which celebrates Sharing Gifts at the Table, Sunday, November 6, 3 to 5 p.m. at the Interfaith Center, 16 South Campus. It is part of the celebrations theme "Gathered at God's Table." World Community Day will focus on sharing gifts at the table. Although we come with different cultures, family traditions, religious practices, and are of different ages, those differences provide gifts that we can share with one another. As we honor and rejoice in those differences, may they unite us in new ways.  
World Community Day continues to emphasize peace but has been broadened to include justice, a vital partner of peace. The once clear categories of "domestic" and "foreign" are being consciously blurred so the global scope of the wide range of problems could be emphasized on World Community Day.
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bread
BREAD FOR THE WORLD
OFFERING OF LETTERS
 
On November 13th we ask for 7 minutes of your time. This 7 minutes is the time it takes to write a letter to our elected officials about hunger and nutrition programs for mothers and children around the world during our fellowship time in November. These letters will be dedicated November 20 and sent on.
 
Bread for the World is a collective Christian voice urging our nation's decision makers to end hunger at home and abroad. Moved by God's grace in Jesus Christ, we reach out to our neighbors, whether they live in the next house, the next state, or the next continent.
 

The Offering of Letters is one opportunity for Christians to live out the commitment that we are God's hands and feet in the world, we work toward a beloved community in which every person has an equal opportunity to thrive. It invites us to be good stewards, using our voices to encourage our elected representation to take the necessary steps to end hunger.
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Deadline for the December newsletter is November 20

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kiawanis
COMMUNITY

HOLIDAY FOOD DRIVE
 SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 6
 
Oxford Kiwanis holds its annual Holiday Food Drive on Sunday, November 6, 1-4 pm. 
 
Kiwanis partners with the Oxford Community Choice Pantry. City residents and neighbors on Bonham Road and in Springwood are asked to put bags or boxes of food on there front doorsteps by 1 pm.  Identified volunteers will pick up food and knock on doors Sunday, 1-4 pm.
 
Nonperishable donations needed include: canned green beans or other vegetables, cranberry sauce, canned sweet potatoes, instant potatoes, canned gravy, pie fillings, dessert mixes, canned fruit and juices, canned beans and soups, pasta and rice products, canned meats (tuna, chicken), boxed dinners, bread and muffin mixes, cereals, and peanut butter.  Any monetary donations will be used for bulk purchases of needed items. 
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THE COMMUNITY ADULT DAY SERVICE 
i s having its 4th annual "NO BAKE -BAKE SALE from November 1-30, 2016.  Save the Calories but spend the Dough.  We are asking for you to donate the money you would use to bake or purchase an item at our "bake sale".
Our virtual menu is as follows:
Silver Sneakers Snick doodles $10
Wake me up coffee cake $8
Nada Etta Jean Pie $20
Little Debbie's ADS cakes $15
Barely There Brownie $7
 
What a "SWEET" way to celebrate serving the Oxford community for the past 19 years.  Any donations graciously accepted at Oxford Seniors and The Community Adult Day Service. 
 
For every $5 donated you are entered into our drawing for a Gourmet Etta Jean Crawford - award winning pie of your choice. Drawing will be held Friday December 2, 2016 at the covered dish luncheon.  The money raised from this event will go toward the purchase of supplies and new materials.   If you have any questions please feel free to contact Debbie Curry, LPN - Director at 513-523-0464
 
We will also have a table at the Holiday Market on Saturday November 5th at the Senior Center from 10 am to 2pm.  We will be selling handmade and donated gifts to purchase for the upcoming holiday season.
 
We do have some openings available.  If you would like information regarding the Adult Day program please contact Debbie at 513-523-0464 or Check us out of Facebook at facebook.com/
communityadultdayservice


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staff
 
Oxford Presbyterian Church Staff
Telephone: 513-523-6364
Fax: 513-523-8215
Seminary Building: 513-523-7411

Pastor: Pastor Lawrence Bartel
Music Director: Kent Peterson
Organist: Lynn Jacobs
Pastor Emeritus: Dr. Joseph R. Hookey
Parish Associates: Dr. Bruce Bueschel, Rev. Diane Ziegler
Administrative Assistant:
Bridgite Dickerson: office@oxfordpresbychurch.org
Financial Secretary:
Director/Teacher C.C.N.S.:
Sarah Mapel: 207-3630
Newsletter Editor:
Nancy Moeckel, moeckenj@miamioh.edu
 
 
OFFICERS OF OPC
 
SESSION
 
Class of 2016:
Pam Deahl, Lynn Cronk, Pat Gifford, Tom Poetter, Rich Drewes
 
Class of 2017:
Mary Jane Roberts, Robert Smith, Janet Zeigler, Gwen Fears, Kim Logsdon
 
Class of 2018:  Carol Klumb, Amy McGoldrick, Katie Payne, Deb Sayers, David Wilson
 
Deacons
 
Class of 2016:
Janet Holmes, Deanna Maxwell, Lawretta Clum, Cornelia Browne, Molly Todd
 
Class of 2017:
Danny Cross, Connie Everhart, Matt Lykins, Jean O'Connell

Class of 2018: Karen Shearer, Lee Fisher, Virginia Layton, Ginny Staberg, Joni Marcum
 
Trustees
 
Class of 2016: Chris Adryan, Joe Simpson, Keith Payne
 
Class of 2017: Lisa Brunckhorst, Bill King
 
Class of 2018:  Tom Holmes, Nick Fears

 birthdays
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NOVEMBER BIRTHDAYS  
 

 
1       Joyce Weber
2       Jim Baer
2       Timothy Jackson
3       Chuck Crain
3       Bill Thomas
5       Matt Todd
6       Ken Bogard
6       Kent Peterson
7       Rich Drewes
9       Johanna Reinhart
9       Larry Johnson
10     Randy Listerman
10     Kelsey Listerman
10     Carol Richmond
11     Nancy Nisbet
13     Pete Roberts
15     Kara Marado
15     Mike Handy
15     Chase Walter
16     John Curry, Jr.
16     Scott Shriver
18     Mary Jo McFadden
23     Roger Gates
23     Russ Logsdon
24     Alex Logsdon
25     Vicki Shriver
26     Betty Barnhart
27     Barbara Skipper
29     Karolin Ginti
 
November Novelties
November is National Month for:
Aviation History-Child Safety Protection-International Drum (can't beat that)-Adoption Awareness-Epilepsy-Model Railroad-Novel Writing-Native American Heritage-Peanut Butter Lovers (Arachibutyrophobiaists beware)
 
Daylight Saving Time
ends at 2:00 AM on Sunday, November 6
 
1981 - First Class US Mail raised from 18 cents to 20 cents. Prior to the use of stamps, postage was paid for by the receiver, not the sender.
 
Question of the month
Gobble, gobble? Not so fast. Only male turkeys, called toms, gobble.  What are females turkeys called and what word describes the noise they make.  (be careful here).  As always, read every section of the newsletter to find the answer.
 
What kind of music did the Pilgrims listen to at the first Thanksgiving feast?
Plymouth Rock!
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lawrence
LISTENING TO THE HEART BEAT OF GOD
Full Article

S ometimes I simply marvel at God's amazing grace.
More than a few years ago, I drove a blue Chevrolet Nova past the home where we now live. 
Before we left campus on winter break, my college roommate invited me to visit him in Oxford and meet his family.
His directions were clear and accurate.  After passing the Oxford Country Club, he told me I should begin to look on the right for Prevalent Drive.  I found the street without difficulty and Aaron, my roommate, was ready to greet me.
We had a wonderful, relaxing time together.  Though uptown was quiet at that time of the year, I had such a favorable impression.  The brick streets mirrored the red brick of Miami University.  The restaurants served a wide variety of delicious food.  The churches stood as shelters from the winter storms and sanctuaries for all people.
Only the Lord could have known that I might return to Oxford not only as a visitor but as a pastor.  What astounding, amazing grace!
Over these few weeks, I've marveled at the depth of God's grace as we gather together for worship and celebrate the Lord's gift of abundant life.  I'm filled with gratitude every time I meet another member of the Oxford Presbyterian Church family and glimpse just a portion of your inspiring life stories.
I sense the Holy Spirit moving as I've met with the ministry committees and teams of this passionate and faithful congregation.  It's been a joy to dig into the fertile ground of ministry with the stellar OPC staff and wise elders serving on your Session.  I will never forget the fantastic energy and deep connection of this entry into your midst.
Thank you also for your extraordinary welcome as our family makes our home alongside you as neighbors.  Within such a brief time, you've left a unique imprint of love, care, and generosity on our hearts.  Thank you for every meal, card, and gift!
As we walk into a bright and hopeful future with Christ, please join me in continued prayer.  Let's pray the Holy Spirit leads us in "seeking God, serving others, and sharing Christ's love with all."
Pastor Lawrence