FPC July Newsletter

FIRST PRESS an online newsletter July, 2012

On July 15, 1837, a preacher by the name of Daniel Gray stood in a carpenter's shop and delivered a sermon from 1 Kings 18:21 entitled, "How Long Halt Ye Between Two Opinions?" Present were three other pastors and 38 dedicated souls who had come together that day to start a new church in Oxford - the First Presbyterian Church.

Who among those present could possibly have imagined what FPC would become during the 175 years of its existence? If they could return, I suspect all of them would be more than a little impressed to learn their dream has become a thriving, vibrant body of more than 800 people whose faith journeys find their nexus inside the bounds of this beautiful campus on Van Buren Avenue. I think they would be proud of the church's continuing dedication to the biblical directive to serve, both near and far. I believe they would find great inspiration from our services of worship and much joy in the abundance of young families and little children in our midst. I imagine they would be amazed that the same sanctuary some of them later helped build in 1880 is still standing and, indeed, still serving as a beacon of hope for the entire Oxford community. I am certain they would be overjoyed to know the Spirit of God who used them to start a church so long ago remains powerfully at work in us.

It is this rich history and longstanding testament to faith in Jesus Christ that we began to celebrate a year ago, a celebration that culminates this month with a gala dinner on July 14 and two services of worship on the very day of our 175^th birthday, July 15. To be sure, our reasons for doing so are not to congratulate ourselves and boastfully proclaim, "Look at us; aren't we special?" Rather, this anniversary is a time to reflect upon the faithfulness of a God whose grace and mercy have never once abandoned the people and programs of First Presbyterian Church. It is an occasion to remember the saints gone before us (on whose backs we now stand to proclaim the Word) and to rededicate ourselves to their legacy of serving others as the hands and feet of Christ. It is a moment to be still, to thank God and to pray God's continued blessings on what is a very special place for us all.

The rich and wonderful history of First Presbyterian Church of Oxford is not lost on me. I am only one in a long line of shepherds whose role has been to nurture and grow the people's belief in, and love for, Jesus Christ. There is no higher calling, no greater honor, no loftier responsibility than that. Accordingly, it is an enormous privilege to serve as your pastor.

Yet, for all of her rich history, it is her future that most excites me when I think of FPC. So, with a thousand, thousand single steps of faith having gotten us this far, let us walk forward into our 176^th year and beyond with great anticipation, big dreams and a hope that knows no bounds.

Now unto him who by the power at work within us is able to accomplish abundantly far more than all we can ask or imagine, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen. (Ephesians 3:20)

Peace,

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Softball players measure the success of the season by the number of wins versus the number of losses. In this regard, ours was not a very successful season. There were several games we might have won had there been enough players to cover all positions. However, each week this group of guys and their dedicated fans gathered at FNC Park and gave it a good try. The players suffered injury to various parts of their body, yet continued to play. In games where there were not enough players, they covered multiple bases and wide stretches of the outfield without complaining. The fans winced with every pulled muscle and cheered for every good hit or catch, and offered words of encouragement when a hit or catch was not so pretty. There was a lot of laughter. For the first time all season, eleven players showed up for the final game. We won because of a forfeit, then played a pick-up game and won 5 to 4. There is a moral to this story...when the whole team works together, there is a better possibility for success. The apostle Paul once tried to tell the church at Corinth something to that effect and it's true. All of our gifts are needed to be an effective team or church. New programs, mission trips, a capital campaign, worship and educational opportunities are being planned for fall. They will all be more effective and have greater impact on the church if we all participate. It's not that hard to do. The first step is to show up...the rest will follow.

Blessings,

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10 Things Pastors Want You to Know

People are always asking pastors about what goes on between Sundays and, for that matter, what goes on during Sundays. We figured this looked like a prime place for us to wade into the water, so here we go. The original authors are Rev. Laurie Brock and the Rev. Mary Koppel.

1. Your pastors have personal lives. Just like your teachers in school and your doctor, ministers have a life that existed long before they were ordained. So, just like you, they have family issues and car trouble and dishes that sit in the sink far too long and children who were up sick all night before the Easter Day services. Just like regular people, life can be joyous and overwhelming. And we often are not able to share that with parishioners. As it is said, "Be kind, because everyone you meet is fighting a great battle." Yes, indeed.

2. Sundays are long days for us. We are on, and I mean Beyonce'-at-a-concert on, from the time we step into the church until the last person leaves. We are responsible for the liturgy, the sermon, and the climate control (because no one in the church agrees on temperature). People tell us things, from random comments about sports to significant news about their lives. We often are teaching a class, as well. A retired priest once said every hour clergy work on Sundays is the equivalent of working 2.5 hours any other day.

3. Clergy have to flip switches in ways that are not good. Every pastor has many stories of going from a parishioner's hospital room, where the family has gathered to say goodbye, to a finance committee meeting. It is the nature of what we do. Remember when your pastors take a morning off, s/he may be giving herself or himself time to reflect on all that has happened because that's the only time to do so.

4. We miss the parishioners we bury. Just because we're preaching the sermon and celebrating the liturgy like we're totally together doesn't mean we aren't crying on the inside. Clergy do not live day-to-day, week-to-week, month-to-month, and year-to-year with the people they serve and not grieve when those beloved people die. Again, grief needs her space and time, so allow your pastors to take that time (or remind them to take that time).

5. We are not particularly good at disappointment. Perhaps it's a personality type, but most clergy I know will work until their fingers fall off for the community they love and serve. Just a note - this is not good. God jerks our attention to this fact often when we just hit a wall. We cannot do everything we want to do. We only have a certain amount of energy, which means we, like the rest of the humanity, have to make choices about where and how our energy can be shared. This will always mean something that someone really, really wants to see done in the church will not be done. And we hate that, but there you go.

6. Life happens at the church every day of the week. A few things that happen when the flock is not at the church: planning liturgies, writing sermons, taking phone calls, meeting with people who need to be heard, visiting those who are sick, working with community groups, dealing with the physical plant, reading emails and rearranging schedules when the unexpected happens, as it often does. Churches are busy, busy places every day of the week. Which also means it's always better to make an appointment rather than just stop by if you really need to talk.

7. Many clergy only get one day off a week. For many of us, things happen on Saturday, so our Saturdays are not always a day off...they're almost always a day for sermon writing because often the week gets too busy for quiet time to write.

8. Church life is often feast or famine. Just like regular life, life in the church either seems to run at 100 mph or quite slow. There are weeks that 80 hours is not unusual for us, and we are quite thankful for the ones that require about 20. And when the slow weeks come, having a parish that empowers their clergy to take that time and relax is a gift. We really love what we do, but need down time to re-energize and reflect.

9. We don't always remember what you tell us on Sunday. Please, email or call us.

10. We make mistakes. Yes, indeed. Forgive us when we do. Love us anyway.

Worship

Lectionary Texts for July

July 1 - 2 Samuel 1:1, 17-27; Psalm 130; 2 Corinthians 8:7-15; Mark 5:21-43

July 8 - 2 Samuel 5:1-5, 9-10; Psalm 48; 2 Corinthians 12:2-10; Mark 6:1-13

July 15 - 2 Samuel 6:1-5, 12b-19; Psalm 24; Ephesians 1:3-14; Mark 6:14-29

July 22 - 2 Samuel 7:1-14a; Psalm 89:20-37; Ephesians 2:11-22; Mark 6:30-34, 53-56

July 29 - 2 Samuel 11:1-15; Psalm 14; Ephesians 3:14-21; John 6:1-21

Summer Sundays Worship Schedule

10:00 am - Worship with communion

11:00 am - Light lunches in Fellowship Hall resume July 22

No Sunday School (except Alton Bryant)

Nursery Weekly: 9:45-11:15

Would You Like to Provide Sanctuary Flowers?

Dates available are July 8, 22 and August 12, 26.

If you would like to provide flowers, please contact

Margaret Fancher at 234-1359 or fancherm@bellsouth.net.

New Sanctuary Cross Reflects Simplicity, Strength

Robert Wilson's talents as a wood craftsman are well known in Northern Mississippi and beyond. At First Presbyterian Church, his work is evident in the sanctuary lecturn, the pedestal of the pulpit and the narthex cabinets, all of which reflect his understanding of and appreciation for our worship space and the Reformed emphasis upon simplicity.

Earlier this year, the Session unanimously approved the gift of a new sanctuary cross, which Wilson was commissioned to design and build. Several months later, on May 31, it was installed and became a permanent feature of our worship space on June 3. Built of American black cherry wood, it is the same size as the previous Celtic cross (now hanging in Fellowship Hall) but is suspended from the ceiling rather than affixed to the organ pipe casement.

The cross is given to the glory of God and in appreciation for First Presbyterian Church by Susan and David Shaw.

new cross

Summary of the Stated Session Meeting - June 11, 2012

The Session of First Presbyterian Church met on Monday, June 11, 2012, at 5:30 pm in the Session Room. Twelve Elders were present.

The Moderator led a Bible study from Romans, Chapter 8.

The Agenda and Stated Minutes of May 7, 2012 were approved as submitted.

Ministry Team reports are as follows:

1. Finance:

The ACS conversion is still taking place.
The Capital funds campaign will kick off in August.

2. Property:

The new outdoor water fountain cannot be tied in with the irrigation system but will still be installed this summer.
Research is being done on how best to fix the Fellowship Hall electric sliding door.
The new wooden cross designed by Robert Wilson is in place.
Wade Simpson is on board as Property Manager, effective May 16.
A new copy machine has been installed by NovaCopy in Memphis, under a better lease agreement.

3. Mission:

A portion of our Pentecost offering will aid Catherine Freeland and her service as a Young Adult Volunteer for the First Presbyterian Church (USA) in Kenya.
The Atlanta mission trip scheduled for late July has almost reached capacity.
The date for Haiti trip has been scheduled for the week of February 10, 2013.

4. Personnel:

Satisfaction with several staff members was discussed.

5. Children's Christian Education:

Our youth are in Montreat, along with 3 adult chaperones.
Plans are underway for Vacation Bible School.
Consideration is being given to making structural changes in the nursery/preschool rooms due to our large number of children.

6. Adult Christian Education:

Plans are underway for the fall curriculum for Faith, Fellowship and Food.

7. Membership/Hospitality:

A new member class will be held July 8.
The last softball game is June 13.
Greeters have been well received.
Plans are progressing for our 175^th anniversary celebration.

The following motions were made and approved unanimously:

Motion to endorse the food guidelines set forth by the Diaconate.
Motion to expand Diaconate of First Presbyterian Church from 12 to 15 members, effective January 2013, contingent upon congregational approval.

Presbyterian Women will host the PW Cluster Meeting on August 18.

The next Stated Session meeting will be August 13, 2012, at 5:30 pm in the Session Room.

Mission News

Adult Urban Mission Trip to Atlanta Nears

In late July, thirteen of our members will be ambassadors of First Presbyterian as they participate in urban mission programs around the city of Atlanta. The group will work with three Atlanta agencies: Central Outreach and Advocacy Center, Project Open Hand and MedShare. The Central Outreach and Advocacy Center at Central Presbyterian Church works with men, women and children who are homeless or near-homeless to provide for them in times of crisis and to help them overcome the barriers to a stable income and a permanent home. Project Open Hand helps provide nutritional meals and nutrition education in order to prevent or better manage chronic disease among those who are too poor to afford nutritional foods, unable to prepare nutritional meals or whose lack of information about good nutrition leads to poor choices. MedShare helps to redistribute surplus medical supplies and equipment to over 80 developing countries around the world in order to help others receive proper medical care and to create less waste in our own country. Please pray for these members of our congregation as well as the organizations and the individuals they will serve. By giving their time and talents to this important work, they help others even as they enrich our life as a community of faith.

Interfaith Compassion Ministry Seeks New Blood

Interfaith Compassion Ministry is in need of additional volunteers to represent First Presbyterian on Tuesday mornings. Please contact Leon McCullouch at 513-6073, 801-3174 or mccullouchl@bellsouth.net.

2013 Haiti Mission Trip Scheduled

FPC is sponsoring a return mission trip to Leogane, Haiti February 9-16, 2013. A group of 12 will serve at Hopital Ste Croix and a local orphanage. The medical participants will work in the hospital and in area clinics. Others in the group will provide child care services at the orphanage as well as participate in light construction/repair projects at the hospital. A wide range of skill sets will be needed. Participants are encouraged to pay as much of their traveling expenses as possible; however, funding to defray costs will be available. As space is limited, volunteers will be accepted on a first come, first served basis until all 12 slots are filled. An informational meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, August 15, 2012 at 5:00 in the Session Room. Participants will be required to commit by September 15, 2012 so that airline tickets can be purchased well in advance of the trip. If you would like more information, contact Keith Heyward, Rev. Ann Kelly, or Greg Patton. To volunteer for the trip, contact Rev. Ann Kelly. In the interim, we ask all to continue to hold the people of Haiti in prayer.

Music

This month brings a well deserved rest for the Chancel Choir. Soloists will provide music for worship during July. The year began for us back in August, 2011, when rehearsals resumed and preparations got underway for our annual Lessons and Carols service, in addition to our music for worship. Following Christmas, we quickly started working on Easter music and Louis Vierne's "Solemn Mass" for our last concert this past April. Other music events included an organ recital by the nationally recognized organist, Scott Montgomery, and three Advent recitals which included organist Faythe Freese from the University of Alabama, conductor Damein Wash, leading the Oxford Middle School Chorus and soprano Sherry Styers. Our "Grace Notes" Advent series has seen significant growth over the last few years, averaging nearly one hundred attendees per recital.

Like the beauty of our Sanctuary, great music reminds us of the greatness of God. These musical offerings bring the Oxford and surrounding communities together. While we are fortunate to have excellent musicians from which to draw in our area, we can't use the same musicians year after year; however, bringing musicians in from outside the area does require more resources and long range planning. I hope you will consider supporting our "Grace Notes" concert series with your attendance and financial assistance. Should you be interested in offering your support, please do not hesitate to contact me. Music really is the gift that keeps on giving.

I want to express my gratitude to each member of the Chancel Choir for their dedication and hard work this past year. The Chancel Choir offers inspiring music for worship Sunday after Sunday as well as great concerts for the church and community. I hope you will also share your appreciation with them.

During the first week of July, I will be in Nashville for the American Guild of Organists' national convention. This really is a continuing education event, with numerous workshops offered in addition to the opportunity to hear great organists and great organs. The American Guild of Organists serves over 21,000 members throughout the United States, Europe, Singapore, Korea and Australia. I currently serve as Dean of the Oxford-University of Mississippi Chapter.

JoeSignature

Christian Education

The Alton Bryant couples class will continue Sunday School through the summer at 9:00 am in the Parlor, taught by great teachers. Visitors are welcome.

Children's and PYF News

The picture above was taken shortly after we successfully climbed Lookout Mountain in Black Mountain, NC. The theme for this summer's Montreat youth conference was "Perfectly Imperfect." We spent a week worshipping, singing, dancing, laughing, learning, growing and playing together. Twenty-three youth and chaperones enjoyed the hospitality of the Byars family on Wednesday night with a wonderful dinner. We also explored a local waterfall on our free afternoon. The youth and I had another transformative experience in the beautiful Montreat mountains and we would like to thank our church family for getting us there!

Daniel Howie, Director of Children's Christian Education

VBS is Almost Here!

Vacation Bible School is just weeks away! Our theme this year is Sky: Everything is Possible with God, and it's sure to be a great adventure. The dates are July 23-27, from 8:30-11:30 am. Through hands-on Bible study, imaginative crafts, team-building games and cool Bible songs, children will learn that, no matter who you are, how you feel or what happens, you can always trust God! Registration is as easy as going to our website, www.fpcoxford.net, and scrolling down to the link for "VBS 2012 Registration." Take the time to pre-register so that we will have the information we need to plan a wonderful week for your child!

In addition to all the fun and games and Bible stories, your child will learn about giving to others. Each morning as we gather for music and a preview of the day, we will receive an offering to be shared with Lovepacks, a local non-profit organization that provides food for school-age children in need on weekends and holidays. The offering that your children give each day will help make it possible to provide adequate nourishment for classmates in their schools whose families live with poverty and hunger every day.

Join us for VBS as we set off on this high-flying adventure!

Etcetera...

Troop 45 News

During the second week of June, twenty-six Scouts from Troop 45 attended Yocona Scout Camp located in Pontotoc County. For a number of boys in the troop, scouting provides the only affordable opportunity to attend a summer camp. Many of the new scouts completed their first ranks of Tenderfoot and Second Class. The older scouts earned over 75 merit badges, covering subjects ranging from environmental science to first aid to citizenship in the community. After taking a two-month summer break, the troop will resume weekly meetings in August. FPC's continued support of Troop 45 makes this scouting program possible. Thank you.

FPC Book Club Meets Soon

Tuesday, July 10 at 1:30 pm

Conference Room 101

This month's book is "Northanger Abbey,"

by Jane Austen.

Pews2 News from the Pews

Prayer Shawl Ministry

Monday, July 2 at 1:00 pm

Conference Room 101

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We extend congratulations to:

Jennifer and Jaime Flechas on the birth of their daughter, Finnley Emerson Flechas, born June 14, 2012.

We extend sympathy to:

Lolly Pilkington on the death of her husband, Dr. John Pilkington, who died June 4, 2012 in Oxford, MS.

Calvin Mutchler on the death of his wife, Peggy Mutchler, who died June 5, 2012 in Oxford, MS.

Memorials and Honoraria

~ with gratitude for contributions to First Presbyterian Church ~

In Memory of:

William Abdo

Adalene and Ben Pettis

Thomas Henry Freeland, III

Linda and Sam Jennings

Birthdays in July:

1 - Martha Burnett, Wendy Carmean

2 - John Neff

3 - Carter Wilkes

4 - Missy Murphey, Nancy Jetton

5 - Amy Edlin

6 - Jené Smith, Carolyn Abbott, Jacquelyn Gage

7 - Matthew Hall, Grace Parker, Tom Franklin, Ernie Williams, Alice Wilkes

8 - Kay Croom, Martha Kelley, Layton Weems

9 - Betty Abdo, Paul Chiniche, Cashe Shows

11 - Jean Blackston

13 - Bobbye Wiley, Adam Robinson, George Moak, Alicia Bouldin, Joy Thompson, Will Rogers

14 - Pauline Lewis, Nelly Mullen, Judy Edgar

15 - Joe Huggins, Martha Lu Jackson, Stuart Schuesselin, Suzan Clark, Beth Vickers

16 - Duke Goza

17 - Carr Chadwick, Jack Boyden, Pat Carpenter, Meg Swaim

18 - Ann DeVoe, Shelloy Crawford, Ken Boutwell, Tricia Showalter, Walter Nance

19 - Myrna Cook, Ashley Jordan-Hill

20 - David Shaw, Doc Buford, Merrick McCool

21 - Daniel Hall, Gwen Johnson, Garnet Mowatt

22 - Erin Snellgrove, Campbell McCool, Austin Super, Tim Tucker

23 - Billy Chadwick

24 - Louise Waller, Kate Byars, Joseph Kelly, Lauren Abbott

25 - Eddie Crawford, Bette Butler, Andrew Parker, Warigia Bowman

26 - Alex McLelland

27 - Hunter Spragins, Robert Cooper, Jonathan Parker, J. T. Davis

28 - Ruthann Ray, Weldon Wilkinson

29 - Martha Hudspeth

30 - Ed Field

31 - Jeannice Russell, Tina Montgomery, Vance Byars, Richard Atkinson

Anniversaries in July:

4 - Emeline and Steven Sahlein, Scottye and Pete Boone, Lindsay and Brett Estes, Emma and David Howorth

6 - Miriam and Niles Lovelady

7 - Allison and Jon Crawford, Robin and Justin Geurin

11 - Kim and Al Ling, Stevie and Kyle Campbell, Peggy and Walter Nance

12 - Fay and Earl Grissinger

13 - Margie and Kevin McLeod

15 - Darri and Keith Mansel

17 - Bill and Cherri Mayo

18 - Pat and Richard Atkinson, Jennifer and Jimmy Williams

20 - Missy and Michael Morrison

24 - Mary and David Freeman

25 - Betsy and Ed Holcomb, Nancy and Jim Jetton

26 - Karen and Bo Elliott

28 - Kathryn and Allen Elliott

Each month in our FPC newsletter, we will enjoy special celebratory words from members of our church. Some writers will be children; others may be members who are 6th and 7th generation FPC family; and others may be members who share their thoughts about our church.

If any of you who have already reserved tickets for the Gala realize that you will not need all of them, please let the church office, Emily Newcomb, Sharron Alexander or Carole Haney know as soon as possible. We have a waiting list and want to be sure we can accommodate as many of our members as we possibly can for the Gala scheduled on Saturday, July 14 at the Inn at Ole Miss. Thank you for your cooperation and understanding since our tickets were limited.

Also, please remember that our 175^th Anniversary Celebration will continue on Sunday, July 15 in the courtyard between worship services. Everyone is invited, and children, young and old, are encouraged to enjoy activities, food and fellowship as we celebrate this historic milestone in our church's history.

Thoughts from Martha Elkins

A short while before he left Oxford, Jonathan Scanlon referred to me as, "The active inactive member of the church." I liked that because, although I was a busy part of the church for a long time, due to unfortunate circumstances I became 'un-busy' and have never gotten "back into harness." Although this is true, I have never felt separated from my church.

Thank you, Carole Haney, for giving me the means to express my gratitude to FPC for what this church has meant to me. Thanks also to Nila Williams for the gift of the first two volumes of FPC history which are giving me much pleasure, and in which, as I turned through Volume II, I found the first four names listed in 1963 were the four members of the Elkins family! I hadn't known exactly when we discovered what a warm church home we'd found. We moved to Oxford on September 1, 1960, but visited around for a bit, then FPC friends we'd met invited, we accepted, felt comfortable and happy, and as of now I'm shy of a 50-year membership by less than a year! I'd sung in church choirs all of my life and was eager to get back to singing. Rosalie Neilson not only welcomed me, but we formed a friendship that continued her lifetime.

I have no memory that doesn't include active family participation in church and church activities.

I was baptized into the First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) before my tenth birthday. Our church was a modest brick building situated on one of a series of high bluffs overlooking the Mississippi River in Hickman, Kentucky. Hickman is the western-most point in Kentucky, where the train must actually be turned around for a return trip.

It is unwise to give me an opportunity to write a letter since a pen and a fresh yellow pad present a challenge I find hard to revisit or control, but skipping bunches of years, locations and church homes, I arrive at, why Oxford. We could have lived in any of the seventeen southeastern states where Jimmy was sales rep for several musical instrument companies. Much of his work was with high school and college music programs. He suggested Oxford, so we came to Oxford as a good place to bring up our two children. We never regretted it.

Our first home was on North Lamar where, when the wind was right, on a very still day we could hear the courthouse clock strike and more importantly, we could hear the chimes from the FPC tower. Inspiring!

So many years, so many memories. Presbyterian churches have the reputation of training and supplying inspirational pastors. I can underwrite those I've known beginning with Murphey Wilds - bless him and Mary Rose - Stanley and Ruth Smathers, the blessings go on - to Sid Crigler and Ann - Sid was minister when Jimmy died and was buried. Four months later, Sally Lodge Henderson officiated at daughter Laura's wedding in our living room. Finally, there was good friend Sam Marshall and family. I need to also mention Dr. Allen Cariness, who formerly filled the pulpit once each year and also filled the church sanctuary with his Ole Miss students who always came. Later, I was privileged to be neighbors with Allan and his sister when I moved to Longest Road. They celebrated Old Christmas and invited me to share their celebration. Throughout my active choir participation, Esther Oelrich was organist.

At about this time, for no reason or cause known to me then or now, I quite suddenly simply couldn't leave my home. Blessedly, Laura and her family were living in Oxford and I had them to depend on. I quietly left a club meeting in progress, came home, wrote notes resigning from all activities, and for a very long time withdrew from the world. Well, that's enough of that!

The blessings I've had and enjoyed with FPC - from the beginning, the wonderfully warm friendly people...actually many, but not all of, our first friends. Mr. Will Lewis' Sunday School class - there's fellowship time in Sunday School. Even choir members have a short break. Oxford was growing and, as "strangers" began moving in, our class, for a while, had potluck suppers. Mr. Will's class was a popular place. Women's circle meetings - young people's Sunday evening suppers in the church basement. I got acquainted with the kitchen. A book should be written about church basements - they were really the heart of church activity before churches could expand.

I'm reminded of an item from Volume 1 of the FPC history and a determined group of ladies whose leader seemed to be Mrs. Rascoe. These ladies decided FPC needed a new home and set about getting it. A gentlemen's group didn't agree. Their leader was Col. Barr. The ladies fired up their stoves and and went to work and built a church said "to be built on a foundation of pies and cakes." The walls rose, the church was built and aren't we glad? Then the ladies wanted an organ. Again, Col. Barr objected, but it's a matter of record that the ladies got their organ and also of record the Col. Barr, who was song leader for the church, was said to have never sung another note if the organist were present.

Blessings of these later years - other generations of warm thoughtful people. So many of our early friends are no longer with us, but the "warm, friendly" continues. Old names, new generations, new names and faces, drop-by visits, lovely flowers that have "been to church" though I didn't make it, cards with many familiar, some new signatures - church bulletins in the mail each Saturday so I can follow Sunday's service with the church - newsletters, of which I read every word of each one. Thank you, John, if it is your idea as I suspect. So, yes, I feel very connected to FPC Oxford.

This feeling snow-balled recently when I celebrated a birthday. God has been, and continues to be very good to me. I'm quite comfortable being the current oldest member of FPC Oxford. My latest and 97^th birthday brought me so much in the way of Christian love - I borrow words from St. Paul - beautiful cards, lovely notes, comical cards with appropriate notes! Flowers surround me. Yes, I'm bountifully blessed in every way. I have had and enjoy good health for one my age. I "creak" and "pop" a bit, my ability to hear voices is poor, but friends are patient. I miss music most of all - the sounds just don't come through. I can read, and read. I read my Bible every night and find something new with each trip through the New Testament (I continue to have trouble going with Paul through Romans). I recommend the Old Bible which I visit frequently for some of my favorite books. I cling to the King James Bible. The language is familiar and I'm comfortable with it.

I want to thank those responsible for bringing home communion on occasions. Having been a longtime member of a church that observes this service every Sunday, it is important to me.

And finally, the blessing of my beautiful prayer shawl, a gift of the prayer shawl ministry. It warms me in many ways. To be wrapped in so many prayerful throughts is a moving experience.

Many times each day, I give thanks to God, and to His Son our Lord, for my continuing well-being, for my loving family, and for my church that watches over me and shelters me. May they continue to bless us all. And may FPC Oxford continue its rich blessings for another 175 years.

Contributions from our Children

"The church has meant a lot to me. When my dad passed away, everyone was there to comfort me. The youth group has been really fun and making friends has been great."

Anonymous

* It has been a privilege to bring to you the thoughts and happiness of many of the children in our wonderful church during this anniversary year. They have shared with us openly and we felt the sense of "place" that each of them feels about First Presbyterian Church. May God continue to bless us all.

Teresa Flautt and Ann DeVoe

july2012_children_art