The Voice from Church and Main

December 1, 2023

First Sunday of Advent

In preparation for worship,

we encourage you to read the Scripture passage

and reflect on what God’s word might be to you.

Scripture: Isaiah 64:1-4

Message - "You Have to Get Close"

Including the Sacrament of Holy Communion

JOIN us for WORSHIP in the SANCTUARY or ANYWHERE.

Click Live-stream to join us for worship

on Sunday at 10:00 a.m.

Click Virtual Visitor Pad to let us know if you are

joining us for worship over the livestream.

Click Sunday Bulletin to enhance your worship experience.

Sunday School

We offer nursery care for children aged infant - 2 years,

a class for preschool age 3-5, and Sunday School through 12th grade.

Ministry News and Upcoming Events

Come One and Come All to the Cookie Walk!

The Annual Cookie and Craft Sale

Saturday, December 2, 2023

10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

Oxford Presbyterian Church - Molyneaux Lounge

101 N. Main St., Oxford

Cookies, Candies, and Crafts
Gently used Christmas Items
SERVV Handicrafts
Click here to order items online

POINSETTIA FUNDRAISER

Poinsettia Fundraiser

The true and first gift of Christmas was the birth of our Lord, Jesus Christ. Would you like to acknowledge this life-changing gift by memorializing or honoring a special person?

There's still time to purchase a poinsettia to further beautify our sanctuary. The cost of a plant is $17.60. Order forms are available in the narthex and office hallway.

Sunday December 10 is the last day to order.

Food For Thought

All Miami students are invited to lunch directly following worship on Sunday, December 3rd. Join us for a delicious meal and a discussion on the deeper meaning of the season of Advent.

The Nature Club for All Generations

The Nature Club will be gathering at Dick’s house on Sunday, December 3rd at 3:00 p.m. We will be learning about the Native American tradition of the talking sticks and participating in fun outdoor crafts!

The Nature Club is open to nature enthusiasts of all ages! For more information, please contact the church office .

TOPSS NEEDS

Youth Group Food Drive

Mark your calendars! The Youth Group is partnering with our Oxford Presbyterian Deacons for our annual food drive to support TOPSS (Talawanda Oxford Pantry & Social Services) to help serve the least of these in our own neighborhood. The food drive will take place at the Seminary Church next Wednesday evening, December 6th from 6:00-7:30 p.m.

Intergenerational Christian Education - Who Were the Magi?

Did you know that the wise men did not actually show up at the Nativity? Why were they fascinated with stars? Is their story one of the most secretly political tales in all of Scripture?

In anticipation of our Celebration at the Manger, join us for an intergenerational Christian Education offering led by Pastor Marc on Sunday, December 10 directly following worship in the Geneva Room. Adults, youth, parents and campus students are all welcome! Come learn a new and surprising perspective on a familiar story!

Celebration at the Manger

It's not too late to sign up to participate in OPC's annual Christmas Pageant, Celebration at the Manger! 'Celebration' will take place during worship on December 17 at 10am, with a Dress Rehearsal Scheduled for December 16 from 1pm-3pm. Please sign up here by Monday, December 4. Even if you have informally said you would participate, it still helps organizers if you fill out the form

OUTREACH & GROWTH QUESTIONNAIRE

Your Voice Matters

Have you added your voice to the brief questionnaire from session?

As our ministry looks to 2024 and beyond, we are seeking your advice and input.

If you haven’t filled out the brief questionnaire online or on paper, we strongly encourage, value, and appreciate the time and insight from everyone in the OPC family. If you previously filled out this questionnaire using Post-It Notes, please fill it out again either online or on paper.

If you'd like to fill out the questionnaire online, click the button to the left. Printed copies are available from the church office.

Thank you for your time and sharing your voice!

Creating a Healthy Oxford Community

Kiwanis Club of Oxford

2023 Salvation Army Bell Ringing

The Kiwanis Club of Oxford has coordinated the Salvation Army Bell Ringing at different locations in Oxford for the 22nd consecutive year. Like last year, 90% of the contributions will go to the Family Resource Center here in Oxford. Kiwanis thanks Kroger of Oxford for permission to Bell Ring again this year.

Volunteers are needed and can access the Kiwanis website to schedule a date and time. Each shift is one hour long, and one can volunteer for as many shifts as desired.

All money collected is deposited directly into a Salvation Army bank account, and all donations received are distributed to local causes.

Advent Devotionals

This year our congregation offers our printed devotion this Advent on the theme of "How does a weary world rejoice?" Each day offers something new: Art, Poetry, and Reflections in Luke’s Gospel.

Printed copies are available in the narthex and office/lounge hallway. Please contact the church office to request a copy to be mailed to you.

OBITUARY

The family is planning a private committal of Betty’s ashes and invites you to give thanks in your own way for the blessings Betty shared with us over her long life.

What a Fellowship, What a Joy Divine

Betty Barnhart passed away on Saturday, November 25 just one day shy of her 103rd birthday.

A lifelong Oxford resident and 91 year member of Oxford Presbyterian Church, Betty touched the lives of generations.

In the words of her family, “She was capable, generous and fun loving and always had a zest for life never losing her sense of humor and optimism despite the adversities she was facing. Like many women of her generation, she was the glue that held together families and our community.”