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September  2018
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SPECIAL ITEMS

Adult Ed (Ace)
Deacons  
Church Office Hours
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Mon - Fri
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Deadline for the 
October  2018
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September 20
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LISTENING TO THE HEARTBEAT OF G OD
On an overcast summer morning, I found myself climbing up a bell tower and through years of ministry history.  A few moments earlier, I met up with Chester and Robert.  Throughout the summer, I've checked in regularly with the skilled workers performing the extensive renovations at the Seminary Church facility.
 
You may recall that very early in the summer, work began at the Seminary Church on the installation of a brand new heating, ventilation and air conditioning system as well as a handicap lift.  Fully accessible bathrooms are being completely rebuilt and another bathroom is being added to the second floor. 
 
While new lighting has been installed throughout the building, it will be most noticeable in the sanctuary on the second floor.  Complementing the artistic beauty and brilliance of the stained glass windows in the sanctuary, will be an audiovisual system that promises to enhance so many areas of our ministry. 
 
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educate
September 9is a BIG DAY! We will be kicking off our Sunday school program and celebrating this new school year after worship service at the Welcome Backpicnic. Join us - All are welcome!
 
OPC is hosting a Confirmation class this year for all 8th& 9thgraders, or any high school youth who have not yet experienced Confirmation. On September 9th at 8:45 a.m., CE is hosting a light breakfast for interested youth and parents/guardians. During the breakfast, we will be sharing details about the Confirmation process as well as plans for the year. 
 
Check out the Adult Education article. Jenny and Candace have planned some very interesting adult education opportunities this year. There is something for all!
 
As you know, we are currently searching for a new Youth Director. Thursday night Youth Group will resume when we have the filled the position. In the meantime, look for our youth during worship service. They will be helping in many different areas of worship!
 
Faithfully,
Jenn Walter
Chair, Christian Education committee
(513) 593-4883
Jenniferwalter37@yahoo.com
 
Teachers in September:
Preschool/Nursery ~ Rhonda Krehbiel
K-2 ~ Sarah Miller & Deb Sayers (beginning 9/9)
3-5 ~ Jenn Walter (beginning 9/9)
6-8 ~ Prue Dana 
 
Acolyte in September: Noel Albarren (beginning 9/9)
 
Upcoming events:
September 2 - Crafts with Carol (K-5) in lieu of Sunday School will be held in the 3-5th grade classroom for children and youth in gradesK-7. Preschool/Nursery will be offered in the preschool classroom.
September 9 - Confirmation breakfast 
September 9 - First day of SS
September 9 - Welcome Back picnic 


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aceADULT CHRISTIAN EDUCATION (ACE)
Your ACE (Adult Christian Education) team is excited about these upcoming ways to engage with others outside of worship!
  • Lectionary Bible Study - Begins Sunday, Sept. 9 at 9:00-9:45 AM at the church. Meets twice a month -- every 2nd and 4th Sunday before church. Led by Mary Shinn.
  • "Emotionally Healthy Spirituality" - Informational meeting on Thursday, Sept. 13th at 7:00 PM at the church. This will be an 8-week series (weekly commitment) beginning end of September through Thanksgiving. Led by Billie Maynard.
  • "The World Around Us" - four mini festivals (two in October, two in November), Come to one or all. Stay tuned for more details!
 
Your ACE co-leaders, Jenny Bailer & Candace Crist
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RIPPED FROM THE HEADLINES: What wonderful and meaningful conversations we had during this summer as part of our "Ripped from the Headlines" small group gatherings! Discussions centered around such topics as: the 2nd Amendment, challenges of airline travel, upholding one's beliefs in difficult times, civil discourse, global warming, and the tension between Israel and Palestine ... all through the lens of being a Presbyterian in today's world.
 
Thanks to everyone who attended!
 
A special thank you goes to our hosts/hostesses: Rick & Anne Bailey, Joy Russell, Nancy Moeckel, Ellen Buerk, Bella & Jenn Walter, and Pastor Lawrence Bartel. Blessings to all! ~Your Adult Christian Education
Co-Leaders:  Candace Crist & Jenny Bailer
 
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CARES, CONCERNS, JOYS AND THANK YOUs
cares 
IN OUR PRAYERS
Betty Barnhart, John Curry, Tracy DeGood, Bob Douglass, Nancy Gates, Genee Hesse, Breanna Kinneman, Ruth Miller, Jan Reinhart, Becky Rudolph, Charles Skipper, Sarah Soika, Joan Teckman, Dave Wilson, Stacey Winn, Jean Woodruff 

Keep these friends in your prayers:
Lord in Your Mercy, Hear Our Prayers
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CONCERNS
The Mission and Outreach Committee invites YOU to join our team.  Our membership has reached a critical low due to illness, time conflicts and other conundrums. We need you.  Contact either Danny Cross or Anne Bailey. co-chairs, with questions.

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SESSION session
Approved a motion to endorse Deanna Roberts as a candidate for ordination.

Received the report that Stewardship and Finance approved the Christian Cooperative Nursery School budget for 2018-2019.

Received a detailed report on the Seminary work from Nick Fears.  Looking good.

A zoning variance from the City of Oxford is needed before work on the Memorial handicap ramp can be added at the front entrance.
Approved a position description for youth director. Candidates are being interviewed.

Repair on the organ has been completed.  

Pat Gifford and John Bailer will be laypersons participating in the Myrtle Project with Louisville Seminary.

Revision of the Pastoral Sabbatical Policy was approved.
 
Judy Fisher, Clerk 

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STEWARDSHIP REPORTS HIGHLIGHTS
Worship and Music
In the coming months, one of Worship and Music's focal points should be to involve youth and include special services that enhance our spiritual journey inward and increase the vitality of our congregation for generations to come.
 
Sunday, September 9 is Welcome Back Sunday, organized by MEF and CE
Already planning for Sunday, October 28th, Heritage Sunday.
 
Youth Musicians List.  We received a list of Youth Musicians and discussed how their talents might be used.  Having them play a prelude or another later piece in the service was suggested.  We recommend that they serve as ushers and liturgists, and get involved as much as possible without interruptions to their Sunday School and youth group meetings and events.  We also suggested that once a month, youth might stay in the worship service.  Any or all of these ideas could be used for a single service or spread across services.
 
Mission and Outreach
Our own Jenny Bailer, Butler County Health Commissioner, gave a presentation on the opioid addiction problem, with an eye to how Mission and Outreach, and OPC in general, might offer assistance. We learned about Project Dawn (Deaths Avoided with Naloxone.) Project DAWN is a community-based overdose education and naloxone distribution program.
Jenny will be glad to give a presentation to the entire church. Would take 45-60 minutes. 
Oxford has a QRT (Quick Response Team), made up of an EMT, Police Officer and a Counselor, which follows up each overdose event, within 24 to 48 hours. Supporting Oxford's QRT is one way for OPC to reach out. 
Rise Against Hunger:  Miami has pledged $1500 from Community Outreach.
Ghana Mission:  Looking into supporting someone to attend the Ghana mission network meeting in Stony Point New York, September 20-22, 2018. 
We approved $150.00 to be used to make a video explaining the Presbyterian Church in Ghana. This can be used in our church and other churches to help support the Presbyterian Church's mission in Ghana. 

Membership, Evangelism and Fellowship
Connect with HS grads in Sept. & Feb.  Begin generating a list of past graduates to send correspondence to in the fall. Congregation will sign cards in the Molyneaux Lounge after church Sept. 16and Sept. 23.
Walkabout: Aug. 27 may still need people?  Water bottles will be handed out  on the church corner with our Seek, Share, Serve logo on the bottle. 
Connect with Manse residents soon after move-in, take flyer, and invite to join us. Keep up periodic contact. Will make a porch visit on Aug. 26after church to introduce the church and provide information about the Welcome Back picnic. 
Welcome Back Picnic Sept. 9, Menu - Larosa's pizza, salads, and cookies. 
 
STEWARDSHIP AND FINANCE
Phone System Upgrade: Presentation by Joe Simpson. Three quotes were reviewed. The quote by Robinson Communication Services (RCS) for $6200 was approved.  Expected late 2018 or early 2019. 
Sabbatical Policy was reviewed. Approval was given to establish a Sabbatical Fund for additional expenses as outlined in the Sabbatical Policy. 

Facilities Planning Team
The ramp for the Memorial front door needs a zoning variance because it is within the 16.5-foot setback implemented by the City of Oxford in 1950.

Trustees
Trustees report that most work in the Seminary Building renovation will be wrapped up in about a week, with the exception of the flooring, lift, and AV system.
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DEACONS deacon

The Deacons are excited to announce that Melissa Temple is the 2018 recipient of the Gene and Faye Santavicca Ministry Scholarship.
 
Melissa will begin her second year at Princeton Theological Seminary and is in the ordination process as an inquirer with the Presbytery of the Cascades.  During the summer she has been studying Hebrew, lots of it!
 
Melissa's application showed an extremely ambitious, compassionate, intelligent, and well-focused 34 year old child of God.  She stated that "we have been made from love and for love", and that this is central to our being.  Most of her studies thus far have focused on pastoral care and practical theology with a passionate interest in disability and ministry, and trauma and theology.  She writes that "life is not to just be lived for ourselves, but that we are all called to image Christ by giving our lives away for the sake of something greater than ourselves."
 
As she moves toward ordination with PC(USA), Melissa has a desire to be with those in pain, offering a presence of witness and comfort to their grief.  Through pastoral care, spiritual direction, and facilitating groups within churches to listen to and hear people's stories and answer questions without silencing them, Melissa feels that this is her calling.  She wants to help others in anyway that she can.
 
Melissa has found God in the most unexpected places, most profoundly with her friends having intellectual, emotional, and developmental disabilities.  She desires to find ways to advocate with them for greater inclusion and access in life. She hopes to be able to write devotional material for these people as well.
Melissa is exploring pastoral counseling as a possible vocational path in order to help with social justice initiatives and community needs. She states, " I want to share the good news of the Gospel, walk with others toward wholeness and freedom, help equip the church with a presence of healing in the world, and contribute to making visible the kingdom of God to those who are oppressed."
 
The selection committee was very impressed with Melissa Temple, and unanimously selected her as the recipient of this award.   We wish her the best in her continued path of ministry.
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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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OXFORD PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH WOMEN women
  THE TUESDAY AFTERNOON CIRCLEtuesday
will meet on September 18th in the Country Kitchen at 1:30.  God's Promise, I Am wit h You is the lesson book for 2017-2018.  Books are available for $10. See either Prue Dana or Lynn Cronk for a book.  The First Lesson is God with Us Wherever We Are and will be led by Lynn Cronk.  Becky Quay will read the Mission Yearbook and Karen Shearer will conduct the Least Coin.  
 
V isitors and New Members are invited to join this Circle for their first meeting of the new school year.  An optional lunch for $8 is available at noon in the cafĂ© preceding the meeting.  If you wish lunch please contact Rosemary Fisher by Friday September 15th.  
 
Please join us on the 18th for lunch and Bible Study.  If you are not able to make lunch you can just attend the biblical study, which has a scripture from Psalms each month plus another biblical scripture.  
 
Where can I go from your spirit?
Or where can I flee from your presence?
...If I take the wings of the morning and settle at the farthest limits of the sea.
Even there your hand shall lead me, and your right hand shall hold me fast.  Psalms 139:7-10
THE TUESDAY EVENING CIRCLE
Will meet on September 4 in the home of Jean O'Connell,  1277 Elizabeth Drive, Hamilton, OH, 593-5892. Janet Ziegler will be the co hostess and give the program. We begin our new study year naturally with Lesson One: God with Us Wherever We Are. Karen Simpson will lead the devotions.
If you still have a book bag for Church Women United either bring it to the Church or to the meeting.
 
I will be home from Maine in the early afternoon of Sept. 4. I can car pool. My email address is  k.simpson2007@yahoo.com. It will work while I'm in Maine.
 
Karen Simpson, 523-8363
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BED AND BREAKFAST...FOR A CAUSE
 
Thank you for volunteering to host!
  Prue and Steve Dana
  Pat and Jack Gifford
  Janet and Tom Holmes
  Carol and Cal Klumb
  Carol and Tom Schaber
 
We are happy to say that we have had parents call already for graduation 2019!
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RUMMAGE SALE INFORMATION rummage
   
Planning Meeting Wednesday September 5, 10:00 AM in the Molyneaux Lounge. Sue Wilson will lead this meeting.  All are invited.  Come join the fun.  Things are new and exciting.
 
Rummage Sale Sorting, Displaying, & Pricing: October 8,9,10 and 11(as needed).
 
RUMMAGE SALE DATES: Oct. 11, 12, 13 (Thurs., Fri., and Sat.)

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OUR MISSION STATEMENT AT WORK
mission
Seeking God, Serving Others, Sharing Christ's Love With All josh
Please help by signing up as soon as possible.  If we know we will have the volunteers, we can sign up to PACK MORE MEALS!!!
 
Oxford Presbyterian Church Mission and Outreach Committee, with CE, MEF, Music and Worship and Session are hosting a Rise Against Hunger Event on October 21, 2018.  This is a meal-packing event where meals consisting of rice, soy, vegetables, and vitamins are packed and then shipped around the world to people who are in need.  
  • Set up for the event runs from 12:30 - 2:00 pm, 
  • The meal packing is from 2:00-4:00 pm 
  •  Clean up after.  
OPC has invited other churches, other faiths, and the Miami University Community to participate.  Please sign up for this event at 
  http://events.stophungernow.org/OxfordPres2018.  
There are several ways that you can provide support 
  • Visit the link above and give money on-line 
  • If you prefer you can write a check to Oxford Presbyterian Church with Rise Against Hunger in the note-field, 
  • Or place cash in a pew envelope with Rise Against Hunger on the envelope.  
There is an excellent video about Rise Against Hunger at the bottom of the registration website above.  

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We are in the final weeks of completing the renovation of the Seminary building. The date of October 28 has been set for celebrating the culmination of work in that facility and the opportunities that lie ahead for enhancing our community mission outreach and innovation in Christian Education. The new spaces will be beautiful and will be flexible to address a wide variety of programming needs. At this time, we have just one more hurdle to cross before the sanctuary space will be capable of fully supporting comprehensive utilization for film showings, audio -visual presentations, lectures, interactive meetings and other gatherings of large groups.
Bids have been received for installation of a high-lumen video projector, a sound system with speakers front and back, wireless microphones, a remotely operated large screen and controls. This system will enable delivery of unlimited formats of presentation. 
The entire system comes at a cost of $35,000. While finding a donor for the entire amount promises to be challenging, if enough people contribute toward that amount we will be able to truly complete the entire project prior to the opening celebration. 
Please pray about how you might be able to support this essential need. You are encouraged to call Bill King (513-523-2546) and make a pledge.

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tourSUE'S NOTES FROM COLOMBIA 2017
Sue Wilson, a first-rate tour guide, 
 invites you to share with her and her fellow adventurers the 2017 trip to Baranquilla, Columbia.  This will be a recurring column until Sue leads you home again. Buen Viage!!!!
 
Saturday, August 26, 2017: Orientation Day--We arose and had breakfast, which was included with our room reservations at the hotel.  Our waiter only spoke Spanish and we did our best to communicate with him. Sometimes he asked the bilingual person from the front desk for help in translating.  By the end of our stay, we learned some Spanish and our waiter learned some English and we were great friends.  We had been told in advance to not drink any water or use ice during our stay, so we used bottled water only, even when brushing our teeth.
 
At 9:00 am our drivers from the Seventh Church picked us up.  One driver was  GermánSteffanell, the brother of Alexander Steffanell who attended our church in Oxford for three years while completing graduate work at Miami University.  I found out that Germ án and his wife Yesenia were both taking English classes at the local college with the hopes of some day becoming teachers.  When we arrived at the church we were able to see that it was attached to its school, which formed a rectangle around the block with a large open-air square in the middle.  That square was where we had the fiesta the night before.  We were taken to the school's only air-conditioned room, the computer lab, for a meeting with the church leaders.  We were introduced to Elders Erwis Mora, Astrid Olaciregovi, Gina Zabala, Muriel Ubarnes, and Deacons Johana Nu ñez, Teresita Bustamante.  Also, Germ án Zarate was at this meeting and he and Lawrence Bartel had already met at the Mosaic of Peace Conference in Israel during the preceding year. Germ án is very involved in promoting peace and justice in Colombia and helps to facilitate the process between the government and various groups.
 
We were given a history of the Seventh Church's mission and outreach activities.  In 1987 they first visited the El Por Fin neighborhood and became involved with providing food and prayer.  It was a slow start.   In 2001 they became aware of many children without shoes and clothing.  Members of the Seventh Church are not rich but they wanted to share, so they became sponsors of the children.  Alice Winters, a missionary from the U.S., had taught Bible classes and they learned about Goel from the Old Testament lessons. They took the name Goel for their program with the children.
 
Gina Zabala shared her vision for the new Bethesda Center.  1) They are starting a new ministry for the elderly living in the El Por Fin.  2) They also want to continue to provide program support 150 children and 90 women. 3) They want to fight malnutrition in the children with a food program.  4) They would like to develop a medical clinic that would provide services. 5) They want to coordinate their efforts with the authorities in the government and the university.  6) They want to have conversations with the children that are not able to attend the university and point them to ways in which they can obtain training and skills that will lead to a better life.  7) Finally they want to teach the women and the children that come to the Bethesda Center that a better life is possible.
 
They briefly told us about the Nazareth School which is owned and operated by the Seventh Church. The school has been in operation for 54 years.  Students pay a monthly fee of $55 to attend.  They have 600 students from the surrounding neighborhoods attending this school for grades K-11.  In addition to an emphasis on academic excellence there is an emphasis on faith in Jesus Christ and they have a special worship service each Thursday to help instill a good moral base.
 
Afterwards we went to a restaurant for lunch serving traditional Colombian food.  That afternoon we went to the Bethesda Center and observed one of the programs that they offer for the children in the neighborhood.  Teenagers from the Nazareth School helped lead the singing.  Gina Zabala gave a Biblelesson on Zacchaeus.  The kids had a party with Mickey Mouse hats, ice cream, and candy.  We were given a tour of the new building, which is beautiful but not furnished.  The kitchen is an empty room.  There are two large classrooms upstairs that are totally empty.  There are two bathrooms with flush toilets and hand washing sinks.  There is a small apartment upstairs to provide living quarters for the security person.


Children at the Bethesda Center singing with hand motions.
 
Our full day was not over! That evening we went to a Food Fair at the new River Walk, which is a transformation of the Barranquilla riverfront. We met Sarah Henken who is a Presbyterian missionary co-worker.  She talked at length about the peace process in Colombia.  It is very complicated as there are so many different groups competing for power.  The central government itself is corrupt making negotiations almost impossible.
 
Answer to the Question of the Month
Campanology

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MUCH TO BE THANKFUL FOR thankful
The Oxford Presbyterian Church is comprised of a responsive congregation. During the past few months several needs have surfaced and several folks have also surfaced to address those needs.
Note the following testimonials of a willing and generous stewardship when the church calls:
 
Music Internship program
In order to address the many vacancies in our choir as a result of deaths and relocation, a memorial account was established to support the creation of university internships to add new voices in the various sections of the group. At this point, donations have been received in the approximate amount of $12,500, which will cover the costs of the program for the next year. The program is designed to enhance our weekly services while contributing to our focus on college student ministry.
 
The following special gifts have been received, in addition to several memorial gifts, to support the music intern program.
 
  • A gift from Anonymous of $3,000
  • A gift from Randy and Layne Listerman of $1,000
  • A gift from Anonymous of $5,095
 
Memorial Enhancements
As our primary worship center, the Memorial building is subject to a number of needs that are planned and some that are not anticipated. Gifts have recently been received for the following:
 
  • A gift from John and Marilyn Curry of $11,700 to replace the exterior covering on the Memorial sanctuary stained glass windows with protective tempered glass.
  • A gift from Randy and Layne Listerman of $4,000 to repair the broken chandelier in the Memorial sanctuary, stabilize the joints in all ten chandeliers and replace the burned-out ceiling bulbs.
  • A gift from John and Marilyn Curry of $6,300 to remove the chain link fence around the Memorial playground and replace it with decorative iron fencing. 
 
Seminary Restoration
The Seminary restoration work is progressing with the goal of celebrating reopening in the fall. Some requirements are not yet funded and are being met via special gifts.
 
  • A gift from Anonymous of $5,000 for the addition of insulation in the Seminary sanctuary ceiling
Youth programs

  • A gift from Ellen Buerk of $1,351 in support of the 2018 youth mission experience.
 
To each of these individuals and to all our members who care and share we extend sincere thanks. If you have not reviewed the current Wish List recently, there you will find an inspiring list of opportunities for giving. Contact Bill King and inform him of your interests...either to support a need or to define a need.    
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ANNOUNCEMENTS announcements
Please mark your calendar for September 3rd- September 10th(September 3rd office will be closed in observance of Labor Day / September 4th- September10th Administrative Assistant, Bridgite Dickerson's vacation).
 
(I know, I know, but it's only a week, we will survive.-ed.)
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Online Giving: Our current online givers will be receiving a letter in the mail the week of August 20 as well as a follow up phone call introducing our new online giving website REALM. REALM opens our congregation to many new avenues of supporting our church's mission in the digital age. Stay tuned to learn about these new avenues to support the ministry of Oxford Presbyterian Church.
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MUSTARD SEED INVESTMENT GROUP SEEKS MEMBERS

If you would like to join a small investment group of fellow congregants, learn a little about investing, and support mission giving, please consider joining the Mustard Seed Investment group. You can attend a meeting with no obligation.

The group meets four times a year in members' homes, contributing $50 each quarter.  The value of our portfolio currently fluctuates around $23,000 dollars.   For the eighth year, we have contributed $500 to $700, most recently half to local missions and half to Presbyterian Disaster Assistance.  At this meeting we will consider alternative giving opportunities. The beneficiary(s) are determined by vote of the members.  As the value of the portfolio grows we hope the amount distributed will continue to grow as well. The portfolio is the property of the church.

We will meet Wednesday Sept. 5th at 7:30 at the Logsdon home, 5470 Brown Road, Oxford. Please visit with us to see if you are interested. Call Joe Simpson  513.523.8363 if you would like discuss the group or arrange a ride.
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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 September , the dates are 11 and 25.  If you would like to join us, but need a ride,  j ust give Becky a call at 523-5747
(Thank you Becky, we missed you over the summer.)
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MULCH TO BE GRATEFUL FOR
This fall the Trustees will be upgrading the fence and mulch in the playground area to meet safety standards as required by the Ohio Department of Jobs and Family Services (ODJFS).  The existing mulch will be removed and replaced with certified playground mulch.  The shrubs and existing chain link fence will be removed and replaced by the approved decorative fence.  A large portion of this project is being funded by a donation from John and Marylyn Curry as noted elsewhere in this newsletter.  This project will make the maintenance of the playground much easier for the Trustees and provide a safe environment for our children to play. 
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Deadline for the October Newsletter is September 20, 2018
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COMMUNITY community
 havenhaven
SAFE HAVEN FARMS EVENT
Please join us on September 22nd for our 4th annual family-friendly Walk around the lake at Voice of America Park in West Chester, benefitting the equestrian program at Safe Haven Farms. This program provides therapeutic horseback riding for individuals on the Autism Spectrum. For more information go to   https://safehavenfarmswalkon.myevent.com/
 
When:   Saturday, September 22, 2018 registration starts at 9:00am
Walk begins at 10:00am and ends at Noon. 
Where:  The lake at Voice of America Park in West Chester              
Enter park from Cox Rd., south of Liberty Way - VOA Way - Follow signs   to SHF pre-paid parking.  
           
Butler County residents are encouraged to minimize our costs by telling the booth attendant  you are a Butler County resident.
 
Cost:
Adult $30 (age 12 & up)*
Child $15 (age 5-11)*
Infant Free (age 0-4)* 
* Purchase by August 24 to get a free t-shirt  
Here's how you can help:  Purchase your adult & child walk tickets. How? Click on "Fees and Purchases" on the website. Make a donation in support of TEAM JIM.  Not able to walk but still want to help?  Click on "Sponsor a Team" in the menu on the left.  Use the search window at the top of that page, or scroll through the list of teams, to find Team Jim
Thank you for your support!
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CROP WALK
 


The CROP Hunger Walk is set for September 23, 12:30 p.m. beginning and ending at the Uptown Parks.  Join Greek and non-Greek student and community people in this Walk to end hunger. The signup and pledge envelopes are available after church and at the walk.
 
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COMMUNITY CHOICE PANTRY
NEEDS BOARD MEMBERS
 
This could be YOUR opportunity!
Here is a fine chance to give of your time and talents in a critically important way.  They are especially in need of a treasurer.  Prayerfully read the "expectations" below, and see if being a board member will be fulfilling for you.  Email the Board President  Lara Osborne <lara.osborne@gmail.com>with your interest or questions.
 
Board Member Expectations
Addendum to Bylaws
 
The Oxford Community Choice Pantry Board is seeking individuals to serve on our board who can help us set policy and procedure for the operation of the pantry.  In addition, board members participate in strategic planning, goal setting, and working on various committees to achieve these goals.
 
As a choice pantry, our vision is different from that of a traditional food pantry.  Our operation works like a mini grocery store.  Our registered customers can come in up to twice a month and choose food from the pantry according to the food pyramid and household size.  Our focus is to provide clients with nutritional information and the dignity of self-selected items.  Shopping in a choice pantry reduces food waste while increasing empowerment.
 
As a board member, you would meet once a month (usually the fourth Wednesday of the month) for one and a half to two hours.  Board members serve three-year terms and may not serve more than two consecutive terms.
 
Some of our duties include:
  • Determine what types of food choices should be offered
  • Establish and implement fund raising activities
  •  Develop and evaluate collaborations with the University (we have students who do projects for us as a part of their academic courses) and other community organizations
  • Attract volunteers
  • Evaluate if we are meeting the needs of our clients
 
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ADULT DAY SERVICE NEWS

Miami Speech and Hearing 1styear graduate students will be coming every Thursday from 2-4 to spend time with our clients.  We are fortunate to be a clinic site for them and they work on observing the older population in many different way - they plan 2 hours of fun filled activities for all to enjoy.  Welcome Back! 
O.M.A. (Opening Minds through Art) will return for a meet and great with our Monday clients on September 17 at 2:45 and will be returning every Monday after until December 3rdfor a one on one art program.  Each client will buddy up with a Kappa Kappa Gamma sorority member for the entire semester to make wonderful paintings using various mediums. We are so thankful that the Kappa's fund this program for us to ensure that we are able to offer this awesome program to our clients. 
We are very fortunate to have several volunteers to share their talents.  David Palmer will be here every Monday at 10:30 to lead us in a sing a long while playing the piano.  Pete Carels will be here on Wednesday September 5that 1:45 to lead us in a Drum Circle.  Bob Baer will be here on Wednesday, September 19 at 1:45 for a sing a long. 
IF you would like information about the Adult Day program please call Debbie Curry, LPN-Director at 513-523-0464. We are open Monday thru Friday 8-5

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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, , F. Harrison Green , Greg Hughes, Nancy Moeckel,
Johanna Reinhart
 
Class of 2020
Candace 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:
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
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bdays

September Birthdays
 1      Layne Listerman
 2      Sandy Hazelton
 3      Jennifer Roberts
 3      Margareat Keister
 4      Paula Foltz
 4      Scott Richmond
 9      Becky Quay
10      Kylee Fears
11      Emily Kraushar
12      Rick Bailey
12      Emma Lake
14      Becky Rudolph
17      Jennifer Lake
17      Karen Simpson
19      Elijah Brown
19      Larry Hardy
19      Jennifer Walter
21      Pam Deahl
23      Mary Jane Roberts
23      Sam Stephenson
24      Stephen McDaniel
25      Lisa Gayhart
26      Bill Schilling
26      Vicky Trostel
28      Emily Lykins
28      Rori Lykins
28      Grace Marado


Did you know?  The name "Ohio" originates from the iriquois Indian word for "good river."  The French name was later translated by the French as La Belle Riviere (the beautiful river)

Question of the Month?
What is the study of bells called?
Find the answer by reading every column in the newsletter.
 
The World Peace Bell is the world's largest free-swinging bell. It weighs 66,000 lbs. Its clapper alone weighs an amazing 6,878 pounds. This magnificent bell rings with a powerful, awe-inspiring, deep resonant tone that is truly a majestic symbol of freedom and peace. Bell swings and rings each day at noon. Guided tours are $1.00 per guest. Hours: Monday-Friday 10am-4pm. And guess where it is? World Peace Bell and Exhibit Ctr. 425 York St Newport, KY4107
 
Autumnal Equinox 2018 in Northern Hemisphere will be at 9:54 PM on Saturday, September 22
 
Why can't you trust atoms?  They make up everything
 
Just like apples, bananas float in water. This Halloween, try bobbing for bananas.  It might have a certain a-peel.
 
Grandparent's Day  is observed in the United States on the first Sunday after Labor Day. (September 9)

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full 
LISTENING TO THE HEARTBEAT OF GOD continued
 
On my walkabout of the Seminary Church that particular morning, Chester suggested that we climb the ladders from the second floor into the roof space and then further up into the bell tower.  Up for an adventure, I immediately agreed.  One careful step after another we ascended the ladder into the roof space.
 
After my eyes adjusted to the low light, wooden beams and rafters lumbered over one hundred eighty years ago came into focus.  As we looked around, we found the date 1959 painted on one post.  The Rev. Bob Abrams later told me that was approximately the date that lights were added to illuminate the steeple at night.
 
When we reached the bell itself, one line from a favorite Leonard Cohen song came to mind -Ring the bells that still can ring.
 
The single bell of the Seminary Church has two different methods of ringing.  The congregation used to be called to worship on Sunday morning by the first technique with a clapper that struck from side to side as the bell swung back and forth.  For funerals, the bell would toll by a second method with a "mourners" clapper that struck while the bell remained stationary. 
 
Passing through my mind were the countless Sundays that bell had rung.  I thought of the lives celebrated when the mourners bell tolled.  Then I also recalled the historic events of our nation when that bell might have rung.  Perhaps it rang out across Oxford and the surrounding land when the Civil War ended and soldiers returned home. Perhaps its sound carried across the surrounding farms and fields when the armistice was signed at the end of World War I as well as on VE Day and VJ Day at the end of World War II.
 
Now it is time for the bells of the Seminary Church and the Memorial Church to ring again. 
 
Over the weekend of October 27-28, you are enthusiastically invited to join us in a celebration. We will be giving thanks to God for the heritage of nearly two centuries of transformative ministry through Oxford Presbyterian Church. We will be rededicating the Seminary Church as a site for our missional journey outward while we also renew our congregation's commitment to mission in the community, the nation, and the world.
 
From 1 p.m. - 4 p.m. on Saturday, October 27, we will host an open house at the Seminary Church with a special invitation to members of the congregation, community and presbytery as well as members of Historic Hopewell Church and its other "daughter" churches in the area.  This relaxed setting will be a great time to explore the renovations that will impact our future ministry as well as to learn more about the legacy of the Seminary Presbyterian Church.
 
On Sunday, October 28, we'll celebrate Heritage Sunday in worship at the Memorial Church at 10:00 a.m.  Following worship, a bagpiper will lead us in procession down Church Street to the Seminary Church for a light luncheon.  A short time later, we will move to the Sanctuary of the Seminary Church for a Worship Service of Rededication in which previous pastors of our congregation will play a special role. 
 
Oxford Presbyterian Church faithfully, prayerfully, and joyfully strides toward a hope-filled horizon.  In the words of pastor and professor, Tod Bolsinger,as the Body of Christ, we are to live up to our name.  We must continually be moving out.  We must be extending ourselves into the world.  We must be the witnessing and missional community we were called to be.  
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We welcome your feedback on the newsletter. We CRAVE your feedback as if we were a cake craving frosting. 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: Why do melons have weddings?  Because the cantaloupe,)