|
TABLE OF CONTENTS
(scroll to see it all)
(click on to JUMP TO)
From Our Pastors
_________________
|
CHURCH SERVICES AT THE KNOLLS
Recent services on DVD will be shown at The Knolls in the Country Kitchen at 10:00 on
Tues September 10
Tues September 24
Anyone wishing to attend is invited and welcome!
|
|
__________
Deadline for the OCTOBER
newsletter is September 20, 2013
___________
|
|
FROM OUR PASTORS
 | | Colombia Mission Partnership Trip, a wonderful blessing! |
Those of us who went to visit our partner church in Barranquilla, Colombia in July had a truly wonderful experience! We had asked our friends there to give us an over-all introduction to what it means to be Presbyterian Christians in their context and they did just that. CONTINUE TO WHOLE ARTICLE Return to Top _________________________________________________________ |
CHRISTIAN EDUCATION
Christine Garton, Director of Christian Education, can be reached at cgarton@OxfordPresbyChurch.org or you can call or text her cell phone at 850-276-3231.  IDEAS AND MEMBERS NEEDED! The Christian Education Committee wants to hear your ideas for programs this fall! Members include Sarah Miller, Dick Munson, Mary Shinn, Jennifer Walter and Diane Young. WE ARE LOOKING FOR ADDITIONAL MEMBERS OF THE CHRISTIAN EDUCATION COMMITTEE. We meet the first Wednesday of each month at 6:30 PM in the new youth room. Please contact Christine Garton if you would like to join this committee.
THANK YOU to the members who generously donated ALL the money needed for beanbags in the Drama room!
________________________________________________________ |
|
CARES, CONCERNS, JOYS AND THANK YOUs
IN OUR PRAYERS
Keep these friends in your prayers:
WW Ridenour, Helen Martin, Cathy Fey, Marilyn Rettig, Brian Hitsman, Anne Goodell
________________________________________
JOYS
We share in the joy of the July 24 birth of precious little Marshall Joseph Roby, son of Natalie and Rick Roby. He is welcomed home by his big brother Anderson, and has already enchanted his proud grandparents Joan and Doug Hoover.
__________
Congratulations to Sue and Dave Wilson who celebrated 48th wedding anniversary!
_________________________________________________
|
________________________________________________________ |
DEACONS
Angel Report: Angels received 4 cards, 7 calls, 36 visits and 7 rides.
Kindness fund: cheered 5 people with fresh flowers or balloons. Prayer Shawls: We wrapped 3 friends in prayer shawls.
Deacons bought food for the Food Pantry, as we do each month. We call the Food Pantry to see what their specific need that month might be and, using funds received from YOU using your Kroger card, we spend about $150 per month. Last month our expert shoppers spent, you won't believe this, but, get ready --$149.99!!! Now that's shopping!
Do you know someone who needs a Prayer Shawl? We have all shapes, sizes and colors available. If you have a friend or relative to whom you would like to give a Prayer Shawl, please call Sue Skillings 523-3120.
REMEMBER: the Deacons collect canned goods year round. Please leave your donation in the narthex or by the office.
|
________________________________________________________ |
Oxford Presbyterian Church Women
THE TUESDAY AFTERNOON CIRCLE is meeting September 17, at 1:30 p.m. in the Country Kitchen at the Knolls of Oxford. We'll begin the new study year by doing the first lesson led by Barbara Barnes. If you have any questions please call Prue Dana at 523-6579 or Lynn Cronk. If any circle members would like to join the gathering for lunch at 12 noon at the Knolls before the lesson, call Lawretta Clum at 524-7437. The cost of the lunch is $6 THE TUESDAY EVENING CIRCLE will be meeting at Sue Wilson's on September 3 at 7:30 p.m. Deanna Maxwell will be our co-hostess. Jean O'Connell will do the devotions. Barbara Barnes will present the opening program for this year. Our Horizons Bible Study is titled An Abiding Hope: The Presence of God in Exodus and Deuteronomy written by Janice Catron. Lesson One is God at Work from Exodus 1-2. The Study books are now available for the cost of $8. They are obtainable from Circle Leaders. If you subscribe to Horizons you should have already received on in the mail. We welcome new members and the big advantage of joining now is that our program year slots have been filled (through the efforts of Sue Wilson.) If you have any questions please contact Karen Simpson, 523-8363, k.simpson2007@yahoo.com. _________ HONORED WOMAN AWARD The Honored Woman Award is presented annually to those who have dedicated their time and talents to the work of their church. This year the award will be presented on Sunday, September 22. Recipients receive an honorary lifetime membership in the Presbyterian Women of the Presbyterian Church and also receive a certificate and a pin. IT may be you, so plan to attend Sunday, September 22 worship. Jan Reinhart Honorary Life Memberships The symbol at the right represents and portrays the qualities of persons deserving the honor and recognition of an Honorary Life  Membership. The following are some meanings found in the symbol: - The caring, supportive hands represent women who seek to build an inclusive community of Presbyterian Women.
- The leaf represents growth of our personal and corporate response to Jesus Christ as we nurture our faith.
- The dove indicates our work for peace in our own lives and throughout the world, shown in the globe.
- At the center of the design is the cross, by which our sins are forgiven and we are freed to live in Christ who is at the center of our lives.
- The overall design is of a butterfly, a symbol of newness in Christ and the emergence of a new creation - Presbyterian Women.
Return to Top | |
_________________________________________________________
|
ANNOUCEMENTS
MARK YOUR CALENDARS! The annual "Welcome Back Picnic" is on Sunday, September 8. Gather in the courtyard following service to catch up after the sum  mer and to welcome returning and new Miami students. A chef, Andrea Reed, who is a friend of Cy Young's, and a graduate of the Midwest Culinary Institute, is catering the picnic. So, there'll be great food, including three kinds of wraps, two chicken and one veggie along with potato salad, baked beans, potato chips, cookies, brownies, and lemonade. And there'll be hot dogs for children and others who prefer them. So, plan to come and sit a spell after worship. Let's start the Fall off right with a feast of fellowship! _____________ PLEASE MAKE A NOTE: Scott Kuehn (our sexton/janitor) is the contact person on Sundays if doors are not locked or lights are left on following worship. His phone number: 513 461 3258 _______________ MUSTARD SEED MEETING SEPTEMBER 4TH Mustard Seed investment group manages, and contributes to, a church owned investment portfolio. The purpose of this portfolio is to support mission. For the last three years we have been able to disburse $500 to a group designated mission. We meet four times a year on the first Wednesday of the month.  If you would like to attend a meeting to share fellowship and see if this group would be of interest to you, please consider attending. The group will meet at Bill Fisher's house at 7:30PM Wednesday September 4th. The address is 4883 James Road, Oxford. ____________ HYMN FESTIVAL Our worship service on Sunday November 17 will be a hymn festival designed to explore, celebrate, and give thanks for The Won der of Music in Our Faith. The experience will include instrumentalists, choral anthems, congregational hymns, and scriptural and devotional readings. We appreciate the generous support and resources from anonymous members and those who have made contributions to the Special Music Fund for making this event possible. ____________ CHURCH SERVICES AT THE KNOLLS Recent Presbyterian Church services on DVD will be shown at The Knolls in the Country Kitchen at 10:00 on - Tuesday September 10 and
- Tuesday September 24.
Anyone wishing to attend is invited and welcome! _______________ EVERYONE SING New York, New York Start Spreading the News............ Help spread the news-share what's happening with you and your family by sending info to Nancy Moeckel, your newsletter editor. (moeckenj@miamioh.edu)
Deadline for the OCTOBER Newsletter is September 20, 2013 ________________________________________________________ | |
_________________________________________________________ |
|
COMMUNITY
Come! Invite Friends! "What's New in Oxford Transportation?"
Thursday, September 12, 7 pm, in the North Parlor at the Oxford Community Arts Center, a six person panel from the City and the University will discuss new implementation of mass transit for Oxford residents, vehicle parking, cycling and pedestrians, and Route 27 South. David Prytherech, Chair, Oxford Planning Commission and Oxford Parking Committee, is the Moderator who will introduce the vision of transportation systems. Panelists speaking to the implementation of the new transportation systems are Mike Dreisbach, Oxford Service Director; Ben Spilman, Miami University Police Lieutenant; Perry Gordon, Oxford Assistant to the Chief, Parking and Transportation; Carla L, Director of Butler County Regional Transit Authority (RTA); Vincent Cirrito, Miami University Architect/ Engineer, Physical Facilities.
There will be a question and answer period. Refreshments will conclude the event at 9 pm. The public is invited.
__________________________________
CROP WALK
The 2013 Walk CROP WALK Sat. Sept. 21, 10 a.m. can begin the Miami/ U.C game day with a great burst of energy. Mark your calendars for the 2013 CROP WALK! The 5 K walk will begin this year in front of the MU Rec Center. You can join Miami student  s, Greek affiliated and non-Greek as well as community members in the 23st walk named in honor of L. Warren Nelson, local community organizer. You can walk in our natural wooded areas of the Bachelor Estate or you can walk online!
We walk for water, for food and for life! Sponsored by Church World Service, the CROP Hunger Walk is the oldest hunger-fighting event in the United States. It involves more than 1,600 communities each year - a mix of faiths community groups, individuals and schools. Around 25% of the money raised fights hunger in each of those communities, with the remainder going to helping people around the world have enough food to eat and clean water to drink and allowing children to have the best start at life possible. One quarter of the funds raised will go to our Community Choice Pantry.
SIGNUP TO WALK OR SUPPORT A WALKER AFTER THE SERVICE DURING FELLOWSHIP TIME or get a pledge form from your church office.
What is needed for Walking on the Web? Check it out on www.cropwalkonline.org.
Return to Top___________________________________________________
|
|
New New New KIDS' CORNER New New New
We are starting a new feature in our newsletter called the Kids' Corner. Each month during the school year the Kids Corner will feature a character or place from the Bible and a trivia question. You are encouraged to read the story along with your child or grandchild and discuss! Any child who can tell Christine Garton the answer to the trivia question will receive a piece of candy. Come by Christine's office or find her on Sunday morning to answer the trivia question.
| |
Click here to get this month's Kid Corner Column on Aaron. You'll find the trivia question here too. Have some fun!
Return to Top
_________________________________________________________
|
|
NEW NEW KIDS' And Everyone's Puzzle NEW NEW
Each month there will be something fun, a puzzle, quizzes, or other kids of games, relating to the Kids' Corner theme. | Click here to see the first puzzle, a great word search.
_________________________________________________________ |
September Birthdays
Dear Elijah, We all hope you had a very Special Birthday on August 18. We are very sorry that your name was left off the list in August.
Happy Belated Birthday, Elijah.
1 Layne Listerman
2 Sandy Hazleton
3 John Beaton
3 Margaret Keister
3 Sean Brown
3 Jennifer Roberts
4 Paula Foltz
4 Scott Richmond
10 Kylee Fears
11 Emily Kraushar
12 Rick Bailey
12 Emma Lake
14 Becky Rudolph
17 Robert Burke
17 Karen Simpson
17 Jennifer Lake
19 Jennifer Walter
19 Elijah Brown
20 Denise Reed
21 Pam Deahl
23 Mary Jane Roberts
23 Sam Stephenson
24 Stephen McDaniel
25 Lisa Elaine Gayhart
26 Elva Carmack
26 Vicky Trostel
26 Bill Schilling
27 Becky Quay
27 Sukie Ahn
27 Ben Hesford
28 Emily Lykins
28 Rori Lykins
28 Grace Marado
September Specialties
Time to sing: Shine on, Shine on Harvest Moon......la da de da de da......
The Harvest Moon is the full moon closest to the fall equinox. Before fast working tractors, Farmers would work thru the night, by the light, to bring in the harvest.
When does fall being? The equinox brings autumn on September 22 at 10:29 P.M EDT.
September is National Chicken Month, National Rice Month, National Potato Month
But perhaps most important to note is that September is
'Be Kind to Editors and Writers Month.'
September 8th is National Grandparents Day. President Jimmy Carter, in 1978, proclaimed that National Grandparents Day would be celebrated every year on the first Sunday after Labor Day. The Official flower: forget-me-not.
Continental Congress changed the name of the United Colonies to the United States on September 9, 1776.
THE MOST COMMON religious affiliation among presidents has been Episcopalian, followed by Presbyterian
Peas, peas, peas, peas, eating goober peas, goodness how delicious, eating goober peas.
Their day, September 13th.
(how many of you remember Burl Ives?)
Christine needs acolytes. What is the definition of acolyte? (I know you know what they do, but what does the word MEAN.) Find the answer somewhere in the newsletter...
| |
________________________________________________________
|
|
From Our Pastors
Full Article
Those of us who went to visit our partner church in Barranquilla, Colombia in July had a truly wonderful experience! We had asked our friends there to give us an over-all introduction to what it means to be Presbyterian Christians in their context and they did just that.
Landing in Barranquilla, we were impressed to find that among the people who greeted us were both the General Secretary of the national Colombian Presbyterian Church, Rev. Diego Higuita Arango, and the General Secretary of the Presbytery of the North Coast, Rev. Jairo Barriga (remember he preached at our church last year). They drove us from the airport to the hotel and began with us the week-long conversation in which we learned so much about our sister denomination and the congregation with which we have been paired for 18 years, the Seventh Presbyterian Church. Also, on hand to greet us was Alexander Steffenel whom many of you will remember from the four years he attended our church while studying at Miami. We baptized Alexander and Carmen's first child, Navin, at our church. Alexander lives and teaches at Lee University in Cleveland, Tennessee but was visiting his family in Barranquilla and was an immense help with translation and getting us settled at the hotel. Gina Zabala, head of the Nazareth School, who has been in Oxford a number of times and was the one who organized our whole itinerary in Colombia was there to greet us, too!
There is lots to tell and in the coming weeks we will share it with you in different ways. Please plan to come to worship on World Communion Sunday, October 5, for our report back and Skype hookup during worship with the Seventh Church. For now, let me just pass on to you some of our group members' fondest memories and learnings in their own words:
I really, really enjoyed the Colombian trip. I must say that more than anything I was blessed by the people--they were so welcoming, everyone hugged and kissed--they were devoted to Jesus and shared His love with others, even if it was dangerous to them. I loved the worship, everyone loved to praise and worship God enthusiastically. The children were loving and beautiful, and they most of all have made me want to return there! Connie Everhart
The Colombian people were all so friendly and their faith was very much alive. Despite the language barrier, everybody in the Seventh Church tried to communicate how happy they were that we were there. Their plentiful hugs, kisses, and shouting of "Mucho gusto (Nice to meet you)", and "Bienvenido (Welcome)" made me feel very welcome!
Sara Smith
It was amazing to me that the congregation of the 7th Church was such a warm, welcoming, caring, outgoing, joyful, and loving people. They bent over backwards for us to insure that we became engaged in their church and in their lives. Our friends, as they all quickly became, live every minute of their lives living up to the teachings of our Lord. At the Goel Project, the children lined up to freely give us hugs and kisses, and mothers handed us their babies to hold. What a remarkable experience it was! Karen Shearer
What amazed me was how much the Seventh Church got accomplished with so little resources. It is my understanding that the membership is about seventy-five and, from the congregation present when we were at the Seventh Church, many of the members are on the lower end of the economic scale. Yet our sister church finds the wherewithal to tackle big problems and make a difference (e.g., the Goel Project). The OPC can take a lesson from the Seventh Church in terms of domestic missionary work. We have the capability to do so much more in this regard but we apparently lack the will. Robert Smith
The highlights of Columbia for me revolved around the people of the Seventh church. I was so impressed with their Christian faith. It was truly central to their lives and was demonstrated in their joyful worship and music, their passion for bible study, their gracious hospitality, and their devotion to mission. Meeting the displaced and abandoned women and children of the Goel project was wonderful and especially memorable. I am inspired to join our Colombian sisters in supporting this mission by raising awareness and funds in our own church. Mary Jo McFadden
For me, most important was the vivid sense we gained of Christ's worldwide body. Being joined in the Spirit with Christians on another continent across all the barriers of language and culture, brought home to me once more that God is raising up an international church, a family of faith without borders. It was such an encouragement to us in this time when there is so much division and divisiveness at every level. After our trip, for the seven of us, our unity in Christ with the Presbyterians in Colombia is more of a reality to us rather than just an idea or a wish. Our unity in Christ is as real to us now as the conversations we had about our lives, our shared concern for those suffer most and for the priority of education, our love and concerns about our respective countries, our love and hope for the Church, our shared meals, our smiles and laughter, and perhaps most of all, the thanks and praise we lifted together to God! Sunday worship at the Seventh Church was amazing! But more about that later.....
Mark Barnes
Return to Top
| |
_______________________________________________________
|
|
Christian Education Full Article
IDEAS AND MEMBERS NEEDED! The Christian Education Committee wants to hear your ideas for programs this fall! Members include Sarah Miller, Dick Munson, Mary Shinn, Jennifer Walter and Diane Young. WE ARE LOOKING FOR ADDITIONAL MEMBERS OF THE CHRISTIAN EDUCATION COMMITTEE. We meet the first Wednesday of each month at 6:30 PM in the new youth room. Please contact Christine Garton if you would like to join this committee.
THANK YOU to the members who generously donated ALL the money needed for beanbags in the Drama room!
THANK YOU to the member who generously donated ALL the money for the 3rd grade Bibles!
THANK YOU to Valerie Green, Michael Hughes, Breanne Parks, Jenn Burns and Christine Garton for painting the new youth room!
THANK YOU to everyone in our congregation and the Vacation Bible School children who donated school supplies! Bogan, Kramer, and Marshall Elementary Schools each received 3 bags of supplies.
Here are the final totals:
*20 boxes of colored pencils
*21 packages of glue sticks
*57 boxes of crayons
*4 packages washable markers
*7 bottles of glue
*26 rulers
*2 pencil boxes
*14 spiral notebooks 
*44 pairs of scissors
*26 packages of pencils
*1 4-pack of Post-It notes
*15 packages of loose-leaf paper
*3 packages of Wet Ones
*2 packages of permanent markers
*3 packages of baby wipes
*7 packages of highlighters
*32 folders
*13 pencil pouches
*4 packages of ballpoint pens
*8 packages of erasers
*6 3-ring binders
*1 backpack
COLLEGE STUDENT DINNER POTLUCK DISHES NEEDED! Thursday, September 12 the Barnes' will host a college student dinner in their home from 5:30-7 PM. They need potluck dishes for this meal. If you can prepare an entrée, side item, or dessert, please sign up on the list outside the secretary's office by September 8. If you have questions or need someone to pick up your potluck item, please contact Christine Garton. Thanks in advance for your donations!
CHURCH T-SHIRT ORDERS will be taken from September 8-October 20. Shirts will cost $20 for adult sizes and $15 for youth sizes. Two different shirt colors will be available. All proceeds will go into the youth mission trip fund.
SUNDAY SCHOOL TEACHERS NEEDED for the 2nd-5th grade workshop rotation classes this fall. Teachers commit to teaching one workshop for 2 Sundays in a 3-Sunday block. DEAS AND MEMBERS NEEDED! The Christian Education Committee wants to hear your ideas for programs this fall! Members include Sarah Miller, Dick Munson, Mary Shinn, Jennifer Walter and Diane Young. WE ARE LOOKING FOR ADDITIONAL MEMBERS OF THE CHRISTIAN EDUCATION COMMITTEE. We meet the first Wednesday of each month at 6:30 PM in the new youth room. Please contact Christine Garton if you would like to join this committee.
CHILDREN'S NEWS
3RD GRADE BIBLE BREAKFAST will be held in the Molyneaux Lounge on September 15 at 8:45 AM. The whole family is invited to attend this breakfast as we celebrate our 3rd graders receiving their new Bibles. Please contact Christine Garton to let her know how many people from your family will be in attendance so we have enough food on hand.
ACOLYTES NEEDED All children in 3rd-5th grade are invited to be acolytes. The acolyte lights the candles on the communion table each Sunday of the month except the first Sunday. This is a 5-minute per Sunday commitment. If you would like to sign your child or grandchild up to be an acolyte for one month, please contact Christine Garton.
Answer to the question of the month:
What does acolyte mean?
One who assists a member of the clergy in a liturgical service by performing minor duties. Acolyte goes back to the Greek root akolouthos, meaning "follower."
YOUTH NEWS
NEW YOUTH GROUP SCHEDULE FOR MIDDLE SCHOOL AND HIGH SCHOOL YOUTH This fall our middle school youth will meet weekly from 4-5 PM in the youth room and our high school youth will meet weekly from 5:30-6:30 PM in the youth room. Come fellowship and talk about important topics in the life of a youth. Youth interns and Christine Garton will lead activities. Both youth groups will start September 8.
MONTHLY YOUTH OUTING for September will be the CROP Walk on Saturday, September 21 at 10 AM at Millett Hall. Help stop hunger by raising pledges for your walk. For more information, contact Prue Dana at pdana@woh.rr.com or Christine Garton.
YOUTH SUNDAY will be held on September 22. The youth who went on the mission trip will be responsible for writing and leading the service with the help of other youth in our church. The youth will tell more about their mission trip experiences during this service.
CONFIRMATION CLASS for 8th & 9th graders will start in January and will include an overnight retreat as well as weekly classes after worship throughout the spring and a Confirmation Breakfast. For more information, contact Pastors Mark and Barbara Barnes or Christine Garton.
YOUTH MISSION TRIP 2014 destination will be announced next month!
FAMILY NEWS
WELCOME BACK PICNIC Don't forget the all-church picnic on September 8 immediately following worship! This is a great opportunity for fellowship with your church family!
FINAL FRIDAY NIGHT FLICKS will resume on September 27 at 6:30 PM in the YOUTH ROOM. All families with children are invited to attend. Bring your own dinner or order pizza at church. For more information, please contact Leanne Staley at LStaley@zoomtown.com or 726-1417.
COLLEGE STUDENT NEWS
COLLEGE STUDENT DINNER at Pastor Mark & Barbara Barnes' home on Thursday, September 12 from 5:30-7 PM. All students are invited and friends are welcome! Join us for a time of fellowship and food. Come when you can and leave when you need. If you need a ride, please call or text Christine Garton at 850-276-3231 or e-mail her atcgarton@OxfordPresbyChurch.org. Hope to see you there!
COLLEGE BIBLE STUDY will start in September. We will study the book Digital Disciple by Adam Thomas. The study is about being a Christian in a virtual world. Students who wish to participate will decide the day and time of the study. If you would like to attend this study, please contact Christine Garton and she will find out your availability. Rides can be given to those who need them.
ADULT EDUCATION NEWS
2 ADULT STUDIES OFFERED THIS FALL The first is called
Engage: Gospel and is a faith-sharing study that focuses on our own stories and the redemptive stories of God in Scripture. This is a 6-week course that will start during the week of September 8.
If you would like to join an Engage group, please sign up on the sheet outside the secretary's office or contact Mark or Barbara Barnes or Christine Garton. Participant books are available in advance and a donation of $5 to cover the cost is suggested but not required.
The second study is called Enough. It is a DVD-based study that invites us to rediscover the Bible's wisdom on prudent financial practices. Dave Ramsey, famed Christian finance expert endorses this study. More information about this study along with meeting dates, times and locations will be announced in the October newsletter. Enough will start the week of October 27 and will run for 5 weeks. If you would like to be an Enough small group facilitator, please contact Christine Garton.
A Biologist's Stroll Through the Bible: Sheep & Goats will be presented by Dr. Paul Russell on Sunday, September 29 at 11:20 AM in the Molyneaux Lounge. Dr. Russell will present severa  l seminars in the coming months on Biblical animals. These presentations are stand-alone seminars, so you won't be lost if you miss one of the seminars in the series.
___________
| |
Return to Top
_______________________________________________________
|
|
