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  April 2017
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SPECIAL ITEMS

Deacons  
Church Office Hours
8:30-4:30
Mon - Fri
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Deadline for the 
May 2017
newsletter is 
April  20
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celebrate
CELEBRATE HOLY WEEK AND EASTER

Palm Sunday, April 9
 
10:00 a.m.  The Sunday of Passion - Following a joyful procession of Palms, we engage the
Passion Story as recorded by the Gospel of Matthew and told by a host of speakers from the congregation.
 
Maundy Thursday, April 13
 
5:30 p.m.    at the Knolls - On this night, we remember and celebrate the final supper Jesus
                  shared with his disciples in the context of Passover.  A simple meal will be served at
5:30 p.m. and worship begins at 6:30 p.m.
 
Good Friday, April 14
 
12:00 p.m.  Ecumenical Service with Holy Trinity Episcopal Church
 
Easter Day - A Celebration of Resurrection
 
10:00 a.m.  Christ is Risen!  Our congregation gathers together for a most joyous celebration of
abundant life filled with triumphal scripture and music
 
                  Following worship, we continue the celebration with fellowship outside in the  courtyard where an Easter egg hunt will delight the hearts of the young at every age.


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journey
JOURNEY THROUGH THE BIBLE

Would you like to join?
Then welcome, we'd love for you to join us on this journey!  Please see Pastor Lawrence or contact the church office for a brochure and more information.
 
If You're Behind
It is hard to believe, but we have heard that a few (only a very few people) have occasionally (only very occasionally) gotten behind in their 
readings.  Since Leviticus, Numbers and Deuteronomy are as gripping as any thrilling novel, this is hard to imagine, but reliable informers say that it has occurred. 
 
What can you do if you're behind, really behind?  Well, don't give up.  The best thing is to jump ahead and pick up the readings for the current day.  That way, you'll be with the rest of the group, and the various things in our congregational life (like sermons, bible study, and forums) will be more meaningful.  Then, each day, you may try to add a little material you've missed.  You will be surprised how 
quickly you can catch up.
 
Do You Have Questions about Your Readings?
New to the resource table in the lounge is a question box.  Drop your question into this box or email Pastor Lawrence at lawrence.opc@gmail.com  

 
christianeducation 
CHRISTIAN EDUCATION 

CE Hosts Coffee Hours in April
April 2- Debbie DeGennaro and Greg Hughes
April 9- Emily Lykins and Jenn Walter
April 16- Easter- Lynn Cronk and Carol Klumb
April 23- Katie Saylor
April 30-Sarah Miller and K-2 Grade Class 
 
         Palm Sunday
Children and youth will gather in the Narthex before worship.  They will be distributing palms during the processional. 
 
Return the Fish Banks!  Gracie the Fish Banks will be returned on Palm Sunday during the Children's time.  For every $20 received, 10 Jerry Cans will be purchased for One Great Hour of Sharing.  
  
jerry can

Carol showing us a Jerry Can

Continue to Full Article

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wish
MAKE A WISH!

shootingstar Did you know that for over a decade our church has maintained a listing of primary needs which extend beyond normal annual stewardship giving? Known as the "Wish List" this document serves as a guide for individuals who may be considering a donation to recognize a special occasion, to honor the memory of a loved one or simply to provide added assistance in enhancing our mission to our congregation and to our local and broader community. Given that the wish list program was last revised in 2011, we are now updating that document to better reflect our current journey.
 
Our congregation has entered a new chapter in the life of the Oxford Presbyterian Church. Pastor Lawrence has introduced a renewed spirit of involvement as we move from what we have been to what we can become. As we engage the future, we thank God for guiding us to today and we seek God's direction as we move toward tomorrow.
 
As you consider your role in the evolution of our church, reflect on any "if only" needs which you might be harboring which would contribute to making us better at what we do or open a pathway into what we could do if only we had the needed resources. We ask that you search your hearts and prayerfully consider areas of need which might appropriately be addressed through individual special giving. Within the past few months, gifts have been received for projects inherent in the remodeling of the Memorial building, for items associated with the rehabilitation of the Seminary building, to extend the opportunities for mission work of the church, and in support of the pastor's discretionary activity. Specific items funded were identified within the existing wish list. As we work to update the list of needs several suggestive categories have been identified:
 
1.  Worship enhancements
2.  Musical expression through special events
3.  Physical property improvements
4.  Mission and outreach challenges
5.  Scholarship assistance for education and service
6.  Christian education creative program enhancements
7.  Innovative ideas suggested by donors.
 
If you have a suggestion that you would like to have included in the OPC wish list contact Bill King by e-mail, by note placed in his church mail box or sent to his home, or by phone. Your input is welcomed and essential as we formulate an itemization of needs which will serve as a viable guide for those who wish to make a special donation.
Bill King
OPC Special Gifts Coordinator
6324 Timothy Lane, Oxford, OH 45056
523-2546 (home) or 720-7345 (cell)

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cares 

CARES, CONCERNS, JOYS AND THANK YOUs
 

IN OUR PRAYERS :
Keep these friends in your prayers:
Genee Hesse, Stacey Winn, Betty Barnhart, Cathy Fey, Marilyn Rettig, Sarah Soika, Bob Douglass, Nancy Gates, Breanna Kinneman, Jan Reinhart 

Lord in Your Mercy, Hear Our Prayers
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Joys
 
tori liking
Rori Lykins was ordained a deacon and welcomed by the congregation
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Emma Lake, a joy to watch skating!
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Grady Holmes had a good day shadowing his big brother, Ryan Holmes, who is Director of Corporate Sales for the Bengals.
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THANK YOU(s)  
Celebrating Pi(e) Day
 
 
If Janet Holmes invites you to her mom and dad's house, to admire her mom's dollhouse....don't think it strange, SAY YES! 
What a surprise I got on March 14! I admit, I did wonder how long it would take to admire the dollhouse, but that was just the ruse for Janet's random act of kindness!  Yes, she did serve pi(e) and tea and fun and friendship!  Thank you Janet and Nancy and Jim and everyone!
Nancy Moeckel
 



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deacons
DEACONS

THE DEACON'S LENTEN FOOD DRIVE
Please leave the donated items for the Oxford Choice Pantry in the Narthex, (the front entrance to the Sanctuary) through Easter Sunday.
Monetary donations can be made by writing a check with a note in the note field "Deacon's Food Drive" or placing cash in a pew envelope with the "Deacon's Food Drive" noted, through Easter Sunday.

Items needed: BIG THREE (things always needed): 
spaghetti, tuna and peanut butter. 

Other items always needed: canned meals (Spaghetti O's, Ravioli, Chef Boyardee). The Oxford Food Pantry can always use varieties of cereal, canned fruit and vegetables and pasta (except noodles and macaroni. These items are received in abundance from Shared Harvest).
Toilet paper, personal care items like body wash, deodorant, shampoo and hair conditioner--but not bar soap (we have a LOT of that and it does not move)     Danny Cross
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Mark Your Calendar Now
Community Dinner
Wednesday May 31
At the Seminary Building
 
If you have any questions or wish to sign up, call or email Bill Fisher at 524-4504 or fisherwf@miamioh.edu
If you would like to donate money please indicate "community meal" on your check.
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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 Diane Young. 513-255-6051


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                   women

OXFORD PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH WOMEN
  
 

THE TUESDAY AFTERNOON CIRCLE
will meet on April 18 at 1:30 p.m. in The Knolls Country Kitchen. Betty Reinhart is leading the Mission Yearbook and Pat Gifford is leading Least Coin. You are welcome to join the group for lunch at 12 noon.

T HE TUESDAY EVENING CIRCLE
will meet on Tuesday, April 4, 7:30 p.m. at Jean O'Connell's home, 1277 Elizabeth Dr., Hamilton. Co-hostess, Jo Reinhart, Janet Ziegler leads the Program and Sue Wilson leads Devotions. We are carpooling. Anyone needing a ride should call Karen Simpson, 523-8363. All are welcome. 
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brunch
friendship brunch
OPW SPRING FRIENDSHIP BRUNCH
 
Save the date on Saturday, May 6, 2017 for our annual get-together.   This year it will be held in The Seminary from 10:00 - noon.  Both Circles have agreed to provide us with delicious breakfast casseroles, coffee cakes, and fruit.  We'd love to see you there.
 
Our featured event is our own Pastor Lawrence telling the story of his pilgrimage on the Camino de Santiago trail.   He will have wonderful pictures and slides to illustrate this journey.  We may even hear about and see other holy ground that Lawrence has traveled.  This should be a wonderful opportunity for all the women, children, grandparents, and friends of OPW.
Don't miss out on this exciting time!  
Inserts will be in the weekly bulletins to reserve your place.  This is to allow us to plan accordingly.  You may place the insert in the offering plate, call the church office, or contact Karen Shearer by phone 523-5934 or email Karen.l.shearer4@gmail.com .
 
And if that day arrives and you haven't turned in your reservation, come anyway!  You and your guests are always welcome!
Karen Shearer


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rummage
OPW RUMMAGE SALE
 
The OPC Spring Rummage Sale will be held in the Seminary Building on Thursday May 18 (6-8pm), Friday May 19 (10-3pm) and Saturday May 20 (All bag-sale 10-noon).
 
Oh boy, how can I help you are asking?  Well there are many ways.  Select at least 2, and jump in for some fun and fellowship and community service.
 
  • Drop off your gently used items to be sold:
    • o   Any of these 3 days, from 9 to 11:30, at the Seminary
      • Wednesday April 26
      • Wednesday May 3
      • Wednesday May 10
    • o   Outside the church office, M-F, from 8:30 to 4:30
    • o   Saturday April 29, from 10-2pm, at the Seminary
    • o   Call a rummage action team specialist (RATS) to arrange an alternate time/day pickup/drop-off
      • Sue Wilson 523-8848 Susan King 523-2546
      • Karen Shearer 523-5934
      • Nancy Moeckel 523-6003
 
  • Be at the Seminary to help sort and receive donations on any of the above Wednesdays
 
  • Set up for the sale is Saturday May 13, starting at 9am. This involves moving boxes to sale tables. With many helpers, this won't take long
 
  • We need you to staff on the sale days noted above
 
  • Help close down the sale by packing up the leftovers to deliver to Good Will here in town, on Saturday May 20, starting at noon.
 
Remember:  the Rummage Sale helps provide funding for OPW missions, serves the community by offering quality items for low prices, serves Mother Earth by recycling and is a great way to get involved and have some fun while doing good.  Now how can you resist?
 

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SESSION
session
Deanna Roberts, daughter of Pete and Pat Roberts and member of OPC, has been approved as an inquirer under the care of the Presbytery of the Miami Valley.
 
Mission and Outreach is exploring ways that this congregation can become involved in hands-on community service.  Family Promise of Butler County explained that organization to the committee recently.  Family Resource Center and Clubhouse in Oxford are also being looked at more closely.
 
An OPC website usability study is being implemented to learn what is working and what can be more user friendly.
 
Architects will be coming soon, to develop a conceptual plan for the Seminary Building.
 
Katie Payne walked the session through the new format of the financial report.
 
Staff Design Task Force is on the job.
 
Answer to the question of the month:
On the communion table leg
 
Session minutes are available, upon request, from the clerk, Judy Fisher.


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mission
OUR MISSION STATEMENT AT WORK
Seeking God, Serving Others, Sharing Christ's Love With All
 

Many thank yous to the bakers and treat makers who donated goodies to the Youth Fund Raiser Dessert Auction.  And many thank yous to those who took home treats.  The Youth raised $886.00!  And thank you, Tom Holmes, for your service as a great auctioneer.
Well done, everyone!!!
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Here's a pic of OPC members at The Shack movie (3/5/17). 24 people attended and we took up 3 rows at the movies. Wonderful discussion after.
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Lynn and Brad Cronk hosted a lovely brunch before we enjoyed our second Lenten Series movie ~ Soul Surfer. We had a very meaningful discussion after the movie.
 
P.s. Bella and Lydia enjoyed playing Mega Jenga before the movie started.
 
 
Jenn Walter

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kroger

SETTING THE RECORD STRAIGHT

ANNUAL KROGER PLUS CARD COMMUNITY REWARD RENEWAL
 
All members registered with the Community Rewards program through their Kroger Plus Card will need to re-register for the Community Reward Program in April!
 
 CALLING ALL NEW MEMBERS AND FRIENDS:  We would love for you to join this simple mission opportunity:
 
If you previously had the Deacon's Kroger Reward Committee register you in the program, you will be re-registered by the Deacon's for 2017.
 
If you would like the Deacon's Kroger Rewards Committee to register you, please give the following information to Matt or Rori Lykins (you can leave it in our mailboxes located at the church) or Bridgite Dickerson, the OPC administrative assistant:
Kroger Plus Number:
Name:
Address:
Phone Number:
 
If you are not yet registered and would like to register yourself, please follow these steps:
Go to www.Kroger.com
Click on "Community"
Click on "Kroger Community Rewards"
Click on "Create an Account" (if you do not have one) OR Click on "Click Here to Sign In"
Once enrolled, select Oxford Presbyterian Church as the recipient of Kroger's donations. Our organization ID # is 80717.
 
Please check the bottom of your Kroger receipts, they will say: Oxford Presbyterian Church if you are successfully registered. 
 
Remember, OPC will receive a donation from Kroger for your purchases and there is NO cost to you! All Kroger Donations are used to help support the Oxford Food Pantry and to help those in need that live in our community. 
 
Thank you for taking the time to register for the Kroger Community Rewards Program! 
Janet Holmes


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announcements   
ANNOUNCEMENTS
 
Join the Celebration
On Sunday, May 7, during and after our worship service, we will be honoring our young people who are graduating from High School.  During the time of celebration on that Sunday we would also like to recognize those others who are having a significant transition.  If you or someone special to you is having a significant happening, such as graduation from college, please let us know.  You can email Carol Klumb, carolann@woh.rr.com, or call her in the evening, 513-280-6136.  Let us celebrate with you as you celebrate with us!
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 youth
 "Let anyone who is thirsty come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me, as scripture has said, rivers of living water will flow from within them." John 7 37-39
 
As the adults in our congregation have started the year long Journey through the mollytodd Bible, the youth of our congregation have been taking part in the journey as well. Matt Lykins and I have the privilege of traveling with the youth on their journey one Thursday a month during their weekly youth group gatherings. As the adults focused on poverty and economics in the United States and read Hillbilly Elegy, the youth was inspired to look at poverty and economics around the world. To further look at poverty and economics across the globe, the youth will be reading A Long Walk to Water, by Linda Sue Park.
 
longwalk to watr A Long Walk to Water is a New York Times bestseller and based on a true story. The novel begins as two stories, told in alternating sections, about two eleven-year-olds in Sudan, a girl in 2008 and a boy in 1985. The girl, Nya, is fetching water from a pond that is two hours' walk from her home: she makes two trips to the pond every day. The boy, Salva, becomes one of the "lost boys" of Sudan, refugees who cover the African continent on foot as they search for their families and for a safe place to stay.
 
 
The youth would like to invite the congregation to join them in reading this novel during the month of April and then share a time of fellowship and discussion of the novel on April 30th at the Seminary Building following church service.
 
OPC is looking into purchasing copies of A Long Walk to Water for those in the congregation that need them. Please contact Molly Todd at mollyjtodd@gmail.com if you need a copy.
A Long Walk to Water is also available at most local libraries, bookstores, and is currently being sold on Amazon for $3.99 a copy.
Molly Dodd

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Your friend would love to hear from you.
 
Lawretta Clum
915 Saddle Drive, Apt. 122
Helena, Montana 59601
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OPW BOX TOPS for EDUCATION
 
Yes we still are collecting them. We only gave up on Campbell's Labels because Menauel no longer collects them, I want to mail our labels in by the end of April to avoid losing some June points. Our newish envelope is now on the Mission board . So please push the envelope.
Karen Simpson
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The Spring cleanup is scheduled for April 1.  Raking, trimming and mulching from 9-noon at the Memorial. Be there or be square.  Gloves, trowels, rakes and wheelbarrows needed.
Lisa Brunkhorst
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CHURCH SERVICES AT THE KNOLLS
Come join Becky Quay to enjoy Presbyterian Church services on DVD at The Knolls. Meet her on April 11 and April 25 in the Assisted Living dining room.  Program begins at 10:00 A.M and All are welcome!
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Deadline for the May Newsletter is April 20, 2017
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cons
CCNS NEWS

Classroom Experiences:
The children have been very busy playing, learning and growing through our educational experiences at CCNS. We will be taking a couple field trips in the upcoming weeks. On March 29th, we will be taking the Monday, Wednesday and Friday class to the Miami University Art Museum. The children will have the opportunity to do a hands on activity as well as view the art collections at the museum.
 
We will be taking both classes to the Miami University Zoology Museum on April 6th and 7th. At the Zoology museum there are exhibits, different animal collections and specimens to help the children understand the full circle of life. There is a separate room for the children to self-explore (puppet show, animal dress-up, a large bird's nest and etc). We are very excited to step out of the classroom and learn about what our community can offer.
STATE INSPECTION:
 
SURPRISE ! Our ODJFS state inspector stopped by on February 10, 2017. We passed our inspection with being 100% compliant with the ODJFS rules and regulations. This is our SECOND year in a row that we have been 100% compliant with ODJFS.
ODJFS has made many changes to the rules and regulations for the preschool classrooms. We are now working hard to make sure that CCNS continues to follow the rules and regulations for the 2017-2018 school year (Trainings, Continuing Education Courses, Ratios, New Rules, Changes to Old Rules, Background checks, Playground inspections, Classroom Organization, Office Management and etc.).
 
2016-17 GRADUATION:
 
The 2016-2017 Monday, Wednesday and Friday class will be graduating on May 22, 2017 at 6:00 p.m. The graduation ceremony will be held in the
Sanctuary. We are working hard to prepare a memorable program for our friends and family. CCNS would like to invite all Oxford Presbyterian Church staff and members to our celebration.  
 
2017-2018 SCHOOL YEAR:
 
The enrollment process has begun for the 2017-2018 school year. We are excited to announce that the classes are almost full. We have 20 applications submitted for the upcoming year. Enrollment contracts have been delivered to each family and we are expecting most contracts to be signed and returned by April 3, 2017. We will have a parent meeting on August 28, 2017 at 6:30 p.m. to go over all the new rules, regulations and
handbook.
Sara Mapel



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staff
 
Oxford Presbyterian Church Staff
Office Hours: 8:30-4:30, M-F
Telephone: 513-523-6364
Fax: 513-523-8215
Seminary Building: 513-523-7411
 
Pastor: Lawrence Bartel
Music Director: Kent Peterson
Organist: Lynn Jacobs
Pastor Emeritus: Dr. Joseph R. Hookey
Parish Associates: Dr. Bruce Bueschel,  Rev. Diane Ziegler
Clerk : Julia R. Fisher
Administrative Assistant:
            Bridgite Dickerson: office@oxfordpresbychurch.org
Financial Secretary:
            Mary Martin:   finance@oxfordpresbychurch.org
Director/Teacher C.C.N.S.:
            Sarah Mapel: ccnsoxfordpreschool@gmail.com
Newsletter Editor:
            Nancy Moeckel, moeckenj@miamioh.edu
Custodian: Priscilla Parks

 
 
OFFICERS OF OPC
 
SESSION
 
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
Class of 2019 : Jenny Bailer, Lynn Cronk, Greg Hughes, Nancy Moeckel,
Johanna Reinhart
 
DEACONS
 
Class of 2017: Danny Cross, Connie Everhart, Matt Lykins, Rori Lykins, Jean O'Connell,
Class of 2018: Karen Shearer, Lee Fisher, Virginia Layton, Joni Marcum, MaryJo McFadden
Class of 2019: Carol Burkhalter,Debbie Davidson, Janet Holmes, Pat Roberts Diane Young

TRUSTEES
 
Class of 2017: Lisa Brunckhorst, Rick Bailey
Class of 2018 Tom Holmes, Nick Fears
Class of 2019Keith Payne, Joe Simpson 

 birthdays
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APRIL  BIRTHDAYS
2      Joanne Bogard
2      Chris Poetter
3      Austin Lake
3      Nathan Pacey
5      Dave McDaniel
5      Darrell Richardson
5      Debra Sayers
6      Emily Bailer
7      Pat Gifford
7      Steve James
7      Jane Kelly
8      John Woodruff
9      Mary Jane Brower
9      Emily Platt
9      Samuel Poetter
11    Branden Butterfield
11    Dick Nelson
11    Caroline Shoker
12    Dick Keebler
12    Bo Stephenson
13    Nicholas Payne
15    Don Gerber
15    Elizabeth Johnson
15    Becky McDaniel
16    Alan Smith
17    Thomas Payne
17    John Trump
19    Kay Jellison
21    Alex Hughes
21    Mary Hunter
23    Jean Woodruff
24    Marietta Bowlby
25    Ruth Miller
26    Christopher Bailer
26    Joseph Gentry
27    Richard Quay
29    Jenny Hunter
29    Susan Maxfield
30    Rodger Cromer

The Christian churches calculate Easter as the first Sunday after the first full moon on or after the March equinox. The earliest possible Easter date is March 22. The latest possible Easter date is  April 25.  Easter in 2017 is April 16
 
April 2, 1513 - Spanish explorer Ponce De Leon sighted Florida and claimed it for the Spanish Crown after landing at the site of present day St. Augustine, now the oldest city in the continental U.S. (a little known fact is that Ponce, while searching for the Fountain of Youth, invented the Dixie cup)
 
April 3, 1995 - Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O'Connor became the first woman to preside over the Court, sitting in for Chief Justice William H. Rehnquist who was out of town.
 
April 4, 1887 - The first woman mayor was elected in the U.S. as Susanna M. Salter became mayor of Argonia, Kansas
 
April 22  Earth Day Founded in 1970 as a day of education about environmental issues, Earth Day is now a globally celebrated holiday
 
April 24, 1800 - The Library of Congress was established in Washington, D.C. It is America's oldest federal cultural institution and the world's largest library.
 
Question of the Month
Where in the church will you see this?
communion table
 
 
As always, read every enjoyable and interesting word in the newsletter to find the answer.
 
 
The Spring peeper is a carnivore (meat-eater). Its diet is based on beetles, ants, flies, mosquitoes and spiders. Natural enemies of spring peepers are large frogs, fish, birds, skunks and snakes.  Spring peepers (Pseudacris crucifer) are tan or brown in color with dark lines that form an X on their backs. They grow to about 1.5 inches (3.8 centimeters) in length, and have large toe pads that act as suction cups for climbing.
 


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lawrence
LISTENING TO THE HEARTBEAT OF GOD

Full Article
These words to a cherished hymn have been floating through my mind lately -
Here I am Lord.  Is it I Lord?
I have heard you calling in the night. 
I will go Lord, if you lead me. 
I will hold your people in your heart.
The hymn is inspired by the story of Isaiah's call to prophetic ministry (Isaiah 6:8).  Isaiah hears the voice of the Lord calling out Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?
         Isaiah replied, Here I am, send me!
         Over seasons of life, I've come to recognize that God is always, in all times and all places, asking that question - Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?  In our relationship with the triune God, our personal response is always and ever new - Here I am, send me!
At the February Session meeting, our Ruling Elders of Oxford Presbyterian Church (OPC) met with a faithful, gifted, and passionate member of the congregation who is taking that next step in answering the call - Here I am.
         Deanna Roberts began worshipping with the OPC family over twenty years ago as a youth.  The first person Deanna recalled meeting in the congregation was Prue Dana.  A word of encouragement from Prue prompted Deanna to try a week of summer camp at Kirkmont.  In her own words, the people and ministry of Kirkmont over the following twelve years "would be central to my formation as a person and my faith identity."
         Home in Oxford, Deanna actively participated in Sunday School, Vacation Bible School and then Youth Group.  After graduating from Miami with a degree in Comparative Religion, Deanna pursued a Masters of Arts at Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary.  Following the completion of that degree, she then began an internship in Fall River, Massachusetts with the Life Together ministry through the Episcopal Church Service Corps.
         As a youth director, Bible study facilitator, preacher and worship leader, she began to perceive God's call that echoes through time and place - Whom shall I send?
         Through the myriad forms that this answer takes in each one of our lives, Deanna discerned that ordained ministry was the right and faithful response for her.  So in the fall of 2015, she began the Masters of Divinity program at Union Theological Seminary in NYC. 
         In a reflection she shared with the Session, Deanna wrote, Deep down I know that God has called me into the ordained ministry of the Presbyterian Church (USA).
         At the February meeting, the Session unanimously endorsed Deanna's application to become an inquirer in the Presbytery of Miami Valley.  Janet Ziegler was appointed to serve as Deanna's liaison to the Session and congregation.  In mid-March, Deanna, Janet, and I met with the Committee on Preparation for Ministry of our Presbytery.  The Committee voted to unanimously accept Deanna as an inquirer.  Praise be to God!
         As her sponsoring congregation, we embark with Deanna on a two-year process toward ordination in the PC (USA) filled with much grace.  Deanna's work may seem harder than the congregation's but both are equally significant.  Our work is to pray for her and support her with words of encouragement (contact information follows).  Our role is to welcome her warmly when she returns to Oxford on break from studies and send her back to Union with our blessings.  Our response to God's call is always and ever new - Here I am, send me!
        
Deanna Roberts
99 Claremont Ave., Apt. 117
New York, NY 10027
robertsdk88@gmail.com

Pastor Lawrence
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education
CHRISTIAN EDUCATION 
Full Article
CE Hosts Coffee Hours in April
April 2- Debbie DeGennaro and Greg Hughes
April 9- Emily Lykins and Jenn Walter
April 16- Easter- Lynn Cronk and Carol Klumb
April 23- Katie Saylor
April 30-Sarah Miller and K-2 Grade Class 
 
         Palm Sunday
Children and youth will gather in the Narthex before worship.  They will be distributing palms during the processional. 
 
Return the Fish Banks!  Gracie the Fish Banks will be returned on Palm Sunday during the Children's time.  For every $20 received, 10 Jerry Cans will be purchased for One Great Hour of Sharing.  
        
jerry can
Carol showing us a Jerry Can
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Easter Sunday
Only Nursery and Preschool Classes will be held on Easter Sunday.  Children's Easter activity books are available in the Narthex.  Watch for details about an Easter Egg hunt following worship on April 16th. 
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All Church School Teachers Invited to a Brunch on Sunday April 23
 
A Thank you to all the teachers who have taught children, teens, and adults this last year will occur on Sunday April 23rd.  Please come to the Art Room at 8:45 for a brunch at Memorial.  There will be a small program explaining the process for security clearances and there will be news about Vacation Bible School that we will host July 7-9.  The teachers will also be recognized during the church service.  Thank You Teachers! 
        
New Vision in Lent-Faith in Films
There are only two more films remaining in New Visions in Lent- Faith in Films.  If you haven't attended yet, now is the time.  Watch for more details in the bulletin. 
Sunday April 2 at 7 p.m.  Journey Through A time of Testing
at Memorial Church-The Molyneaux
Sunday April 9 at 4:00 p.m.  Son of God at Memorial Church- Molyneaux
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A Few Volunteers Needed for May
Volunteer to Teach Grades 3-5 in May
Volunteers to Teach Nursery/Preschool May 7th
Please Contact Lynn Cronk at 513-524-8574 or LCronk @woh.rr.com If you are available.  

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We welcome your feedback on the newsletter. We CRAVE your feedback as if it were chocolate  What is missing from the newsletter that you would like to see?  Let me know. Thanks, nancy.  moeckenj@miamioh.edu (and here is your bonus for reading this section:  Have you ever tried to eat a clock?  It's very time consuming.)