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January  2018
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SPECIAL ITEMS
Deacons  
Church Office Hours
8:30-4:30
Mon - Fri
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Deadline for the 
February  2018
newsletter is 
January 20
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 capita
educate
CHRISTIAN EDUCATION 

TEACHERS
 
Preschool/Nursery
7, 14, 28 Lynn Cronk
     January 21- Teacher needed
 
K-2                             
Sarah Miller and Deb Sayers
 
3-5                              
Debbie DeGennaro
 
6-8  
14,21,28 Prue Dana
 
                Acolyte                    
Spencer Lykins 


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cares 

CARES, CONCERNS, JOYS AND THANK YOUs
 

IN OUR PRAYERS :
Keep these friends in your prayers:
Betty Barnhart, Tracy DeGood, Bob Douglass, Nancy Gates, Genee Hesse, Tom Holmes, Breanna Kinneman, Betty Reinhart, Jan Reinhart, Marilyn Rettig, Sarah Soika, Dave Wilson, Stacey Winn 
Lord in Your Mercy, Hear Our Prayers
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THANK YOU(s)

Did you notice the new Inn this year?
 
Thank you, Carol Klumb, for your dedication to bringing to life this new prop for the Celebration at the Manger program. 


Carol's design and creative team included her husband, Cal, and two sons, Mark and Chris Gudorf. Mark did the major part of the design work. Chris helped with putting the windows  and door on the main structure. 



















                                      Cal ripped up more newspaper than Carol ever imagined would be needed and he made really good design suggestions too. 





Thank you Carol, Cal, Mark and Chris ~





The children were SO EXCITED about their new prop!
Jenn Walter (and everyone)
 
 
 
 
 
 


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Thank You Jenn Walter and everyone who worked so hard to make the Celebration at the Manager such a wonderful, loving, joyful, experience for all.
 
 
 
 
 






















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sessionsSESSION

OPC will continue their agreement with McCullough Hyde Hospital to provide temporary housing for patients in the event of the need to evacuate the hospital. This agreement has been in effect for the past ten years.
 
The proposed 2018 budget, as presented by the Stewardship and Finance Committee, was approved.  The compensation package for Pastor Lawrence will be presented to the congregation at the annual meeting in January for their approval.
 
Kim Logsdon presented an inventory of the OPC current communications channels.  These include the website, the newsletter, the bulletin, Facebook, worship service videos, and the Oxford Community Calendar.
 
Facilities Planning Committee is continuing to move forward in their focus on plans for the narthex of the Memorial Building.
 
Many thanks were expressed to those involved in the presentation "Christmas at the Manger"
 
Judy Fisher, Clerk
     
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stewardships
S TEWARDSHIP HIGHLIGHTS FROM COMMITTEES OF SESSION

stewardship
(Some Committees did not meet in December)
 
STEWARDSHIP AND FINANCE
As of 12/11/2017, three additional pledge cards arrived, bringing the total pledges received to 123 and the total Pledges to Date in the 2018 budget to $314,350.
 
The bulk of the meeting was devoted to completing the budget process. (Note: the 2018 budget was approved by Session at it's December meeting.)
Our phone system will need to be replaced in the not too distant future. This is expected to cost at least $5000. The trustees will begin looking into what is required and the costs in 2018.

MEMBERSHIP, EVANGELISM AND FELLOWSHIP
 
The Directory is being delayed until early January.  Pictures came back with an odd green tint.  Kim and Pat are working with the company to fix.  We are also getting a new OPC tri-fold brochure from the directory company.
The Associate Pastor search is moving forward. APNC is reviewing PIFs of applicants. Currently, we have 8 candidates that have either been matched through the CLC or are self-referrals.
COMMUNICATIONS LIAISON REPORT 
An updated communication inventory has been completed and will be posted to the communications page of our website.  Summary:  website, constant contact managed email, newsletter, weekly bulletin, worship service videos, Facebook, other printed materials.
 
TRUSTEES
The architect will have the final plans out for permitting by the first of the year, and, barring any changes dictated by permitting, will have the package out for construction bids at the same time. A new wireless system, funded through the Progressive Christian Campus Ministry, has been purchased and will be installed when renovations are complete. The Trustees sadly recognized the last meeting for Lisa Brunckhorst. Her presence will be greatly missed. 


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deacon
DEACONS


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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
  
 
circles
THE TUESDAY AFTERNOON CIRCLE
Meets January 16 at 1:30pm in the Knolls Country Kitchen. Study Leader is Pat Gifford.  Please call Lynn Cronk 524-8574 by Friday January 12th for reservations for the optional $8 noon lunch at the Knolls.  Visitors, guests, and new members are always welcome.  

THE TUESDAY EVENING CIRCLE
will meet January 2 at Jane Baer's home, starting at 7:30 p.m. Janet Ziegler is the co hostess. Sue Wilson will lead the program. Jo Reinhardt will give the devotions. Visitors are welcomed. Contact person is Karen Simpson, 523-8363,  k.simpson2007@yahoo.com .

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mission
OUR MISSION STATEMENT AT WORK

Seeking God, Serving Others, Sharing Christ's Love With All
 
On December 3rd, a special team of Presbyterians traveled to Safe Haven Farm near Middletown, OH to decorate the Hatton Community Center for Christmas.  They decorated two trees and added festive touches to the windows and doors to create a warm holiday ambiance.  

Safe Haven Farm is home to 16 adults with autism spectrum disorder. The Hatton Center is used daily for programming and on weekends for parties and dances.  On December 16th, the Farmers and their families plus many staff members gathered for a wonderful Christmas party.  The Christmas decorations added to the Joy of the celebration as the families shared food and song.
Sue Wilson


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ANNOUCEMENTS
announcementsbethesda
The 2018 Pledge envelopes are ready and will be available for pickup on 12/31/17.
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CHURCH SERVICES AT THE KNOLLS
 
If you are unable to attend some of our church services on Sunday mornings, we have another option for you.  Becky Quay shows recent church services on DVD in the Country Kitchen at 10:00 A.M. on the 2nd and 4th Tuesdays of each month.  In January, it will be shown on the 9th & 23rd.   If you would like to join us, but need a ride, just give Becky a call at 523-5747.
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BETHESDA CHRISITIAN COMMUNITY CENTER
 
The mission team that traveled to Barranquilla, Colombia in August to visit our sister church was very impressed with the dedication of the church members to help the women and children displaced by many years of war in their country.  We were delighted to see the new Bethesda Christian Community Center that was constructed with funds from the National Presbyterian Women's Birthday Offering gifts.  The building is bright and beautiful and bursting with the love and hope being brought to it by the church members and also the students from the Nazareth School who enjoy volunteering there.  However, we noted that the building is devoid of furnishings.  The kitchen is in need of a stove, refrigerator, cabinets, utensils and even a kitchen sink.  The classrooms are in need of tables and chairs and storage cabinets.  The children are in need of books and musical instruments.  Our mission team decided to try to raise funds to furnish the Center.  During Advent we offered an Alternate Giving Program.  Beautiful cards handcrafted by Nancy Moeckel were offered to those who wanted to make a donation in someone's name.  Of course, donations are accepted any time for this project.  If you would like to make a donation towards furnishing the Bethesda Center, write your check to the Oxford Presbyterian Church and write Colombia or Bethesda in the memo line.  Muchas Gracias!
Dave and Sue Wilson
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habitatHABITAT FOR HUMANITY FAITH BUILD IN OXFORD GETS STARTED 
 
Oxford area churches are joining together with Miami Students and other community organizations to fund and build the 9th and 10th Habitat houses in the development of Reckford Woods. These last two houses provide an opportunity for the faith community to serve alongside and partner with a Habitat Home Buyer Family.  Each family must contribute over 500 hours of "sweat equity" in the building of the house.
 
The foundation is poured and work on the structure will begin on December 2 and continue throughout the winter on Thursdays and Saturdays finish up in the spring.  Oxford Presbyterian Church, Holy Trinity Episcopal Church, St. Mary Catholic Church, Oxford United Methodist Church, the Unitarian Universalists, Faith Lutheran Church, the Religious Society of Friends and Bethel AME have banded together for this venture. Each church will provide build teams of volunteers for Saturday workdays and lunch. A typical build schedule is approximately 16-20 weeks with volunteers working each Saturday. No experience is necessary and all supervision, tools and equipment are provided. The churches participating in the Faith Build will share the cost of the home with other donor sources.
 
Mark your calendar - the Oxford Presbyterian Church Saturday Commitment for Habitat is  January 13 .  
 
We are committed for 5 volunteers and lunch for 20. Those who work should come to the site at 8:3a.m. Depending on the weather, we will work until 3:30 p.m. Work will break at noon for lunch.
 
The UU's have started the build working on the sub flooring. The Lutherans worked on Dec. 16. St. Mary will be working January 6.
Can you help? Please contact Prue Dana pdana@woh.rr.com
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igorBISHOP IGOR MAKSAKOV VISIT
 
Igor Maksakov, the church's dear friend and our connection to the First Church in Zlatoust, Russia, will come for a week's visit starting January 17. We look forward to discussions with Igor about developing our connection with the First Church, which is expanding the church as it grows its congregation (see photos). 









































We also look forward to hearing about all things Russia, and maybe taking in a Miami hockey game.
 
If you would like to house Igor for a  few days or have him visit your church group, please contact Bill Fisher, 524-4504 or   fisherwf@miamioh.edu .
 
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Answer to Question of the Month.
Neither is correct, yolks are yellow.

Deadline for the February Newsletter is January 20, 2018

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communityelderly
COMMUNITY

The Oxford VillAGE Network and Oxford Seniors is pleased to host an informational session on the Butler County Elderly Services - Consumer Directed Care.  The program will be held on Monday, February 5 beginning at 6 p.m. at Oxford Seniors, 922 Tollgate Drive, Oxford. 
 
The Elderly Services Program (ESP) helps older adults remain safe and independent in their own homes.  Services are available to Butler County residents age 65 and older who need help with certain activities of daily living. Home-delivered meals are available starting at age 60. Services provided through the program include home delivered meals, home care assistance, medical transportation, emergency medical response system, adult day services, environmental services, home modification and repairs, durable medical equipment, independent living assistance and mental health counseling.  Another unique service offered by the program is Consumer Directed Care (CDC).  CDC allows an eligible individual to hire a friend or a family member to provide home care services.  As a philosophy, CDC recognizes the ability of individuals to advocate for themselves, assess their own needs, determine how and by whom those needs are met and monitor the quality of those services. 
 
Plan to join us at Oxford Seniors on February 5 and invite others who may benefit from this program.  If you are unable to attend, and would like to learn more about the specifics of the Consumer Directed Care, and ESP, contact the program at 513-868-9281.  You may also visit the website at www.lifespanohio.org/esp/.

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announce   

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 Associate:   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
Sexton: Robert Simpson
 
 
OFFICERS OF OPC
 
SESSION
 
Class of 2018
Carol Klumb, Amy McGoldrick, Katie Payne, Deb Sayers, Leanne Staley
 
Class of 2019 :
Jenny Bailer, Lynn Cronk, F. Harrison Green , Greg Hughes, Nancy Moeckel,
Johanna Reinhart
 
Class of 2020
Candice Crist, Danny Cross, Pat Gifford, Richard Munson, Jennifer Walter
 
DEACONS
 
Class of 2018 :
Karen Shearer, Lee Fisher, Virginia Layton, Joni Marcum, Mickey Simonds
 
Class of 2019:
Carol Burkhalter, Debbie Davidson, Janet Holmes, Pat Roberts Diane Young
 
Class of 2020
Cornelia Browne, Jill Grajewski, Stephanie Hartman, Matt Lykins, Becky Quay
 
TRUSTEES
 
Class of 2018:   Tom Holmes, Nick Fears
Class of 2019 :  Keith Payne, Joe Simpson
Class of 2020 Rick Bailey, Scott Parkinson
 
birthdays
January Birthdays
 
4          Jane Baer
5          Angela James
9          Ellen Buerk
9          Tom Fey
10       Cindy Satkowski
11       Jean Butterfiled
11       Amber Beal
12       Marty Miller
14       Ann Imhoff
15       Mary Caspar
15       Judy Herold
15       Kali Satkowski
16       Cora Friede
19       Judy Cross
19       Dolly Thomas
22       Scott Walter
24       Mickey Preston
25       Marilyn Rettig
26       Steve Flee
27       Jane Jackson
29       Steve Snyder
29       Cameron Rollins
30       Kim Logsdon
31       Andrew Farler
 
  
January Junkets for our Celebrants
 
New Years Eve (2017) will be the only day when every adult was born in the 1900s and every minor was born in the 2000s.
 
2018 will mark the 100th anniversary of the end of World War I. It will also mark the 50th anniversary of the Civil Rights Act of 1968.
 
2018 is the Chinese Year of the Dog.
 
There is a town in Missouri named Tightwad, and yes there is a bank in that town, called the Tightwad Bank.
 
People who kiss their dogs have lower blood pressure than people who don't. 
 
A whole orange floats in water, but sinks if you peel it.
 
January is national
Baking Month
Bath Safety Month
Blood Donor Month
Braille Literacy Month
Codependency Awareness Month
Fat Free Living Month
National Hobby Month
Hot Tea Month
Mentoring Month
Oatmeal Month
Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month
Slow Cooking Month
Soup Month
Stalking Awareness Month
Thank You Month
Weight Loss Awareness Month
 
Q: What did the big furry hat say to the warm  woolly   scarf?
A:   "You hang around while I go on ahead."

Question of the Month
Which is correct to say, "The yolk of the egg is white" or "The yolk of the egg are white"? 
As always, look for the answer hidden somewhere in the newsletter.  And watch out for the grammar police.
 
January will end with a pretty spectacular show. On Jan. 31, the moon will be located on the opposite side of the Earth as the sun, and its face will be fully illuminated. Since this is the second full moon in the same month, it is sometimes referred to as a blue moon. This is also the last of two Supermoons for 2018.
 
What do you get when you cross a snowman and a vampire? Frost bite
 
What's the past tense of icy?
I thaw
 
Barry Manilow's No.1 hit song, "I Write the Songs," was not written by Manilow .

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LISTENING TO THE HEARTBEAT OF GOD
 
Igor was first introduced to members of our congregation through an initiative by the Presbyterian Church to develop partnerships with Russian Churches following the Cold War.  After two reciprocal study journeys, Oxford Presbyterian Church (OPC) developed in 2005 a "twinning" relationship with the First Church of Zlatoust, Igor's home church, just outside of Chelyabinsk.  
 
What a moment of witness on World Communion Sunday when we welcomed to worship Ellen and Al Smith, our PC (USA) mission co-workers toRussia. Reflecting on these "twinning relationships" Ellen writes, ... Russian churches had lived through a time of great persecution and isolation. With the collapse of the Soviet Union came the collapse of infrastructure and the loss of social foundations. The goal of the Twinning Program was to listen, erase Cold War stereotypes and help where asked as these churches explored education programs (from Sunday school to seminary), outreach and social ministry - all things forbidden during Soviet times.
 
As our congregation listened to these brothers and sisters in Zlatoust we've assisted them in a variety of ways over the years in their passion to share the good news. When they identified a deep desire to create a recreational space for the youth of their community to stretch their bodies, minds, and souls - we joined them in that mission with a trampoline, and then a electrical generator. When they showed us the needs of a local orphanage, our congregation generously responded by raising money for shoes and other basic necessities year after year.
 
The years have quickly passed since June of 2013 when a team of OPC members visited Zlatoust and Chelyabinsk. More recently, Bishop Maksakov visited our congregation in September 2016 and plans are being finalized for his visit to Oxford Presbyterian Church this month - see the accompanying announcement on page 8.
 
For some in the United States, our perception of Russia has shifted since 2016. If this is the case for any readers of this article, I pray that it may only be a shift in the perception of the political leaders and not the Russian citizens themselves.  Zlatoust is over a thousand miles from Moscow, approximately the same distance between Washington DC and Des Moines, IA. So a rough parallel may be made if the Russians were to cast aspersions against the residents of that Iowa city for the actions of the national government in Washington DC.
 
First and foremost, I'm eagerly anticipating Bishop Maksakov's visit to renew and strengthen our twinning relationship with brothers and sisters in Russia. Yet I'm also praying that our visit may help us "stay within sight and sound of each other." This phrase gifted to us by Whitney Kimball Coe reminds us that we do not have the power to change foreign policy, national security or diplomatic relations. Instead, God invites us to recognize that our power, our agency, is to address the enmity we see globally by faithfully building relationships and facing the pressing challenges that are ours to meet in the moment. Ms. Kimball Coe stated, "What is yours to do could just be right in front of you. And in a small place, that is so much easier to see, sometimes: that just one action, or one point of connection, can strengthen your humility and commitment to the space around you."
 
As Ellen Smith encourages us, "After all these years, the Twinning program continues. It is because we have discovered that we need one another. Our lives are richer for the other's witness." 

 
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We welcome your feedback on the newsletter. We CRAVE your feedback as if we were a cucumber seeking cool. 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: If you are ever attacked by a mob of clowns, go for the juggler.)