TABLE OF CONTENTS (scroll to see it all) (click on to JUMP TO) From Our I-Pastor
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Recent Presbyterian Church services on DVD will be shown at The Knolls in the Assisted Living dining room. The services will begin at 10 am on Tuesday September 9 and Tuesday September 23.
THANKS TO BECKY QUAY
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Deadline for the October
newsletter is
September 20
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From Our Interim Pastor
What's a Healthy Congregation?
Rev. Hart Edmonds, Interim Pastor
Some time ago, I came across a book titled Humble Pie by Anne Dimmock with the subtitle: "Musings on what lies beneath the crust. " I thought about that book again recently, after sharing lunch and conversation with OPC members at The Knolls one day. Wouldn't you know it? Pie and ice cream were both on the dessert menu that day.
Dimmock's book pretty much sums up my feelings about pie: "Nothing as easily as pie stands for everything decent, good, honest, homey and American. Some people don't eat pork. Some don't eat meat. Some people don't ingest caffeine or alcohol. Is there anyone who, as a statement of ethics or conscience, doesn't eat pie?" asks Dimmock.
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WORSHIP SCHEDULE August-September
August 31.........."Marks of the Christian Community" (Romans 12: 9-21) Rev. Hart Edmonds
September 7........."Wherever Two or Three Gather....." (Matthew 18: 15-20) Rev. Hart Edmonds
September 14.........."Welcome Back Picnic & Worship with Dixie-land Jazz Band"
September 21..........Commissioning of Sunday School Teachers & Worship Led by the Russia Mission Trip Participants
September 28.........Youth Sunday | |
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CHRISTIAN EDUCATION
CHILDREN and YOUTH MINISTRY
Children were promoted to new Sunday School Classrooms on August 17th. Children in grades 2-5 will meet in the newly arranged art room. Jenn Walter has recruited teachers for fall. Our teachers include: lead/assist teachers: Amy Krausher, Katie Payne, Gwen Fears, Angie James, Missy Friede, Marilyn Curry, Paula Green and Bill Fisher Additional teachers include: Matt Lykins, Emily Lykins, Debbie DeGennaro, Janet Holmes, Leanne Staley, Mary Shinn, Jenn Walter, Katie Saylor, Prue Dana, Sarah Miller, Deb Sayers, and Jenn Burns
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CARES, CONCERNS, JOYS AND THANK YOUs
IN OUR PRAYERS:
Keep these friends in your prayers:
Mary Lee Keebler, Betty Barnhart, Mary Bachmann, Evelyn Black, Diane Young (our own beloved Bartholomew Cubbins!) Denny Carlson, Adele McLaren, Stacey Winn, Joyce Trump, Helen Martin, Cathy Fey, Marilyn Rettig, Brian HItsman
Lord in Your Mercy, Hear Our Prayers
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We remember Lisa, Doug and Drake Bolon as they mourn the loss of Doug's mother, Joyce Bolon.
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We remember Susan Maxfield and family as they mourn the loss of David. David passed peacefully on Friday, August 22.
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THANK YOU
Our OPC team raised over $7000 to help in the fight against cancer.
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THANK YOU to all the exceptionally talented singers, musicians, organists and pianists who filled in while Lynn and Choir were on vacation. (Much deserved but we missed you!) (Don't do that again!)
We enjoyed every one of our guests, and we were especially privileged to enjoy the TALL STACKS Quartet.
Fair winds and following seas, Gentlemen.
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THANK YOU to Deanna, Karen, MaryJo and many others for seeing to it that our friends from Columbia had a wonderful time with the OPC.
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Angel Report: Deacons took love outside the church to their angels with 5 cards, 2 calls, 17 visits and 6 errands. We sent caring cards to 24 folks, to let them know we do indeed care. We wrapped two souls in prayer shawls, surrounding them with love. 7 flower bouquets were delivered to friends and finally, this last month we all, Deacons and others responded to 29 prayer line requests.
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DEACONS VS. IMELDA
The Deacons are in contact with the schools in our district via the school nurses. We respond to specific needs for individuals or situations. This  is where the Kroger Funds are especially vital. Kids going back to school can find themselves without a good pair of shoes. Can you imagine? We didn't want to! So the Deacons sent Bella and Jenn Walter on a shoe-buying mission, with $300.00 from Deacons funds, to help kids at Kramer. WOW. Shoes, shoes and more shoes. These excellent shoppers scored 36 pairs of shoes. That will cover and cushion and support and protect 72 feet! (or 720 toes!, give or take)
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FOOD FOR THE CHOICE PANTRY
Jo Reinhart hits a bull's-eye.
(Bull was not seriously hurt, thank goodness)
As you may know, Deacons shop for the food pantry each month. Thanks to GENEROUS DONATIONS we have been able to spend $500 per month over the summer, and it looks like we can continue that amount for a few more months. THANK YOU DONORS. Deacons take turn shopping at Kroger's each month, after checking with the pantry for the current needs. In August, our shoppers spent 495.85 on 610 pounds of green beans, peaches, pears, mac and cheese, spaghetti sauce and soups. Terrific shopping!!! HOWEVER, in July, Jo Reinhart spent exactly $500.00 on beans, beans and more beans. That's setting the bar pretty high, Jo.
FOOD FROM THE NARTHEX
Last month, (mid July to mid August) OPC delivered 65 POUNDS of food that had been dropped off in the Narthex. Thank you all for your donations. Keep em comin'.
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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 Nancy Moeckel (until Cornelia gets back to Oxford)
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OXFORD PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH WOMEN
THE TUESDAY AFTERNOON CIRCLE begins the fall lessons with Rev. Hart Edmonds leading Lesson One of the Horizon Study Reconciling Paul, The Problem and the Promise of Paul. The Circle gathers at 1:30 p.m. Tuesday the 16th of September, in the Country Kitchenette at the Knolls of Oxford. Becky Quay is reading the Mission Yearbook, Jean Butterfield is reading the Least Coin. Members of the circle may wish to go to lunch together at the Knoll at 12 noon. Please contact Lawretta Clum if you wish to attend. The cost is $6 THE TUESDAY EVENING CIRCLE will meet on September 2 in Sue Wilson's home. Deanna Maxwell is the co-hostess. Billie Maynard will lead the devotions. Jean O'Connell will present Lesson One, The Promise and Problem of Paul, from the 2014-2015 Horizons Bible Study. Books are available at the Church for $8 and will also be handed out at the September meeting. We welcome visitors and hope for new members. Questions? Ask Karen Simpson 523-8363, __________________________________________________________ OPC Scheduled Social Events 2014-15 October 26 Fall Gathering - 2:30 in Molyneaux Lounge Program: Karen Shearer and Deanna Maxwell - Mission Trip to Russia October 16, 17, 18 Rummage Sale - Seminary Building December 14 Christmas Tea 2:30 in Molyneaux Lounge Program: Christmas Story - Karen Simpson, Songs of Christmas April 18 Friendship Breakfast - 10 a.m. Program to be announced - Karen Shearer Election of Officers May 7, 8, 9 Rummage Sale - Seminary Building June 6 OPC Women's Retreat 9-1 Western Lodge Program to be announced - Roberta Crain OPC Coordinating Committee Molyneaux Lounge, 7:30 p.m. September 24, October 22, February 25 and May 27 ___________________________________________________ 2014 Honored Women  Marilyn Curry OPC Honored Woman 2014 
Barbara Barnes OPC Honored Woman 2014 ________________________ 2014 THANK OFFERING Continuing a tradition started in 1888, we will be participating in the Thank Offering. Thirty projects were chosen from sixty-two applications. Seventeen are ministries in the United States. More than forty of the projects are health ministries. The offering will be dedicated at the Fall Gathering, October 26. The list of recipients will be available then and will be on our bulletin board. Money collected will be used to projects funded in 2015. Let us consider how to provoke one another to love and good deeds. Hebrews 10:24. ___________________________________ Return to Top | |
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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. The group meets four times a year in members' homes, contributing $50 each quarter. The value of our portfolio currently fluctuates around $20,000 dollars at present. For the fourth year, we have contributed to Presbyterian Disaster Assistance, raising the amount to $600. The beneficiary is determined by vote of the members. As the value of the portfolio grows we hope the amount distributed will grow as well. The portfolio is the property of the church.
We will meet Sept. 3rd at 7:30 at the Simpson home
1325 Dana Drive.
Please visit with us to see if you are interested.
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JOURNEY TO HOPE AND HEALING
A grief support group for adults grieving the death of a loved one
Grief and loss can feel overwhelming. As part of their commitment to offer supportive bereavement care to family and loved ones of their patients, as well as to the local community, McCullough-Hyde Memorial Hospital and Heartland Hospice are pleased to offer a grief support program.
During the 6-week program, you will receive information about the grieving process and what you can expect. You will also have the opportunity to share with others in a caring, supportive and non-judgmental environment.
Dates: Wednesdays, September 10 - October 15, 2014
Time: 6:00 - 7:30 p.m.
Location: McCullough Hyde Memorial Hospital, 2nd
Floor, CR2
This group is offered free of charge, but reservations are required. Space is limited, so please contact Teresa at Heartland Hospice at 513-831-5800.
Sponsored by McCullough-Hyde Memorial Hospital and Heartland Hospice
Additionally, Heartland Hospice is willing to provide Oxford based, one-on-one counseling services to any in need. All counseling services are free of charge.
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Becky Quay will be showing Presbyterian Church services on DVD at The Knolls in the Assisted Living dining room on September 9 & 23 at 10:00 A.M.
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Let's GO...to the
WELCOME BACK PICNIC!!!
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Question of the month answer:
Macaroni and Cheese!
Save the date, SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 2014!
FUN, FELLOWSHIP, AND GREAT FOOD!!!
Follow the crowd to the courtyard after Sunday Worship for a delicious lunch...build your own GOURMET HOT DOGS catered by Chef Ondrea! Choose from lots of toppings. Also included: Gourmet Mac & Cheese, Potato Salad, Coleslaw, Brownie and beverages. YUMMMMM!!
Not only that, we have entertainment by Ted Ziedses Des Plantes & the Dixie-land Jazz Band! They will be playing as the congregation enters church, during the worship service, AND at the picnic.
This is going to be so much fun!!! Let's welcome others to the event too...PLEASE BRING A FRIEND and/or a MIAMI STUDENT!! No need for reservations, just come and enjoy!!
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STUDY GROUP FORMING
And YOU are WELCOME
Acedia and Me
A Work by Kathleen Norris
Author Kathleen Norris describes acedia, a Greek word meaning the absence of care, as "the lexicon's version of a mole, working on us while hidden from view". It is a word that surfaced and then disappeared again from language use over time. But whether in linguistic vogue or not, acedia seems to describe a state or experience that many of us have at one or more points in our lives. Please join us for a five-week group study, led by Rev. Diane Ziegler, of this interesting work, over which time we will do our best to contemplate the struggles of acedia and to find again the light and hope of our faith. As we look at the human experiences of sin, pain, depression, acedia, and death, we will seek to answer together Norris' simple question of "Why Care?". The study will be held at the Oxford Presbyterian Church beginning in mid September and running through mid-October. The day and time of the session will be determined in the very near future. The study will run for five weeks and the group will meet for 90 minutes for each session. Participants will benefit from reading the book Acedia and Me as part of the study.
For more information and reading assignments please call the Oxford Presbyterian Church at (513) 523-6364.
A critic's comment:
Kathleen Norris's masterpiece: a personal and moving memoir that resurrects the ancient term
acedia, or soul-weariness, and brilliantly explores its relevancy to the modern individual and culture.
Another's comment: An examination of acedia in the light of theology, psychology, monastic spirituality, the healing powers of religious practice, and Norris's own experience, Acedia & me is both intimate and historically sweeping, brimming with exasperation and reverence, sometimes funny, often provocative, and always important. ________________________ OFFICERS OF OPC SESSION Class of 2014: John Curry, Janet Zeigler, Robert Smith, Mary Shinn, Bill Fisher Class of 2015: Carol Burkhalter, Diane Young, Brent Bader, Jenny Bailer, Mary Jo McFadden Class of 2016: Pam Deahl, Lynn Cronk, Pat Gifford, Tom Poetter, Rich Drewes Deacons Class of 2014: Jay Baird, Nancy Moeckel, Johanna Reinhart, Jennifer Walter, Dave Wilson Class of 2015: Marilyn Curry, Sue Wilson, Paula Foltz, Ruth Miller, Martin Miller Class of 2016: Janet Holmes, Deanna Maxwell, Lawretta Clum, Cornelia Browne, Molly Todd Trustees Class of 2014: Chuck Crain, Lisa Brunckhorst Class of 2015: Tom Holmes, Nick Fears Class of 2016: Chris Adryan, Joe Simpson ____________________ Oxford Presbyterian Church www.oxfordpresbychurch.org Telephone: 513-523-6364 Fax: 513-523-8215 Seminary Building: 513-523-7411 ____________________ Deadline for the October 2014 Newsletter is September 20, 2014 ________________________
Help spread the news-share what's happening with you and your family by sending info to Nancy Moeckel, your friendly, neighborhood newsletter editor. (moeckenj@miamioh.edu)
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SEPTEMBER BIRTHDAYS
1 Layne Listerman
2 Sandra 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 Vicky Trostel
26 Bill Schilling
27 Becky Quay
27 Sukie Ahn
27 Ben Hesford
28 Emily Lykins
28 Rori Lykins
28 Grace Marado
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September Sillies
The Harvest moon is the "fullest" moon of the year. When you gaze at it, it looks very large and gives a lot of light throughout the entire night. No other lunar spectacle is as awesome as the Harvest Moon. (go ahead, sing it!)
Grandparent's Day - first Sunday after Labor Day
September is: Classical Music Month, Hispanic Heritage Month, International Square Dancing Month, National Blueberry Popsicle Month, National Courtesy Month, National Piano Month Chicken Month, Honey Month, Self Improvement Month, Better Breakfast Month
Question of the month
One-third of the U.S. population will eat this sometime in the next 2 weeks. What is it?
Terrorists attacked the United States on September 11, 2001. Almost 3,000 people died because of the attacks that took place on that day. Where were you when you heard this news?
The 4th week of September is National Dog Week. (Peggy sends her greetings and reports that she likes Milk Bones-ed.)
In 2014, the autumnal equinox brings the fall season to the Northern Hemisphere on: September 22 at 10:29 P.M. EDT.
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Full Article
What's a Healthy Congregation?
Rev. Hart Edmonds, Interim Pastor
Some time ago, I came across a book titled Humble Pie by Anne Dimmock with the subtitle: "Musings on what lies beneath the crust. " I thought about that book again recently, after sharing lunch and conversation with OPC members at The Knolls one day. Wouldn't you know it? Pie and ice cream were both on the dessert menu that day.
Dimmock's book pretty much sums up my feelings about pie: "Nothing as easily as pie stands for everything decent, good, honest, homey and American. Some people don't eat pork. Some don't eat meat. Some people don't ingest caffeine or alcohol. Is there anyone who, as a statement of ethics or conscience, doesn't eat pie?" asks Dimmock.
Each pie maker, Dimmock believes, is called to a particular kind of pie; almost like a spiritual calling that is unique. For her it was rhubarb. In Dimmock's view, rhubarb has it all- the power to enrich, to humble, to satisfy, and to make everybody happy. It is God's wisdom. It places everyone on an equal footing and teaches what is really important and essential in this world. It is also one of the best pies to set the stage for a reconciliation. It doesn't matter how long the feud or what it was about, rhubarb pie loosens everybody's grip just enough to work some magic. A couple of forkfuls and adversaries begin to lower their guard. An entire slice leads to declarations of mutual support and admiration. There is much to admire in a rhubarb pie: the perfect paring of opposites- sour and sweet- and the proof that they can, and should, coexist. Need to share pie with anyone?
Pie baking is a talent worth sharing. It takes a little time and some care, but a master pie baker can easily reach the point where they are confident enough that they can easily guess at the right measurement of ingredients. It's much the same way in fashioning a community of faith. It calls for a relaxed confidence in the grace of God.
Now that all this pie talk is out of the way, here's a beginning recipe for a healthy community of faith.
Mix the ingredients well, add some spice, and then wait for the results. You might look at the ingredients and ask yourself, "Do we need more or less of this particular ingredient at OPC?"
+Healthy congregations accept differences (rather than deny they exist).
+Healthy congregations focus on their strengths (rather than weaknesses).
+Healthy congregations focus on mission (rather than "getting along", the past, or survival, "the minister", or some other thing or issue)
+Healthy congregations respond to anxiety and change (instead of reacting or denying that change is a constant of life)
+Healthy congregations manage conflict and know it can also lead to creativity.
+In Healthy congregations, leaders challenge people (instead of always comforting)
+In Healthy congregations, people empower others and aren't afraid to share leadership.
+Healthy congregations respond graciously and truthfully and don't keep secrets.
+Healthy congregations combine money and the Christian Life (rather than separating them)
+In Healthy congregations people share their lives and offer grace and forgiveness.
+In Healthy congregations, beginning again is a way of life (instead of staying stuck).
We've got lots of time to work on this recipe for a Healthy Congregation, and we'll adjust the needed ingredients as we go along. Meantime, how about another piece of pie? Here's an invitation as well. Should you ever be interested in sharing a piece of pie and a cup of coffee, don't hesitate to stop by and see me at the church, and we'll find someplace in Oxford that serves good pie.
Pastor Hart Edmonds
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Christian Education Full Article
CHILDREN and YOUTH MINISTRY
Children were promoted to new Sunday School Classrooms on August 17th. Children in grades 2-5 will meet in the newly arranged art room. Jenn Walter has recruited teachers for fall. Our teachers include: lead/assist teachers: Amy Krausher, Katie Payne, Gwen Fears, Angie James, Missy Friede, Marilyn Curry, Paula Green and Bill Fisher Additional teachers include: Matt Lykins, Emily Lykins, Debbie DeGennaro, Janet Holmes, Leanne Staley, Mary Shinn, Jenn Walter, Katie Saylor, Prue Dana, Sarah Miller, Deb Sayers, and Jenn Burns.
THE PRESCHOOL CLASS THROUGH GRADE 5 will be studying some of the following stories: Creation, Cain and Abel, Jacob and Esau, Joseph, Samuel, Noah, Abraham, Isaac, David and Goliath. Questions to be asked include our relationship with God, and how do you love God?
The preschoolers will learn the verse, "Trust in the Lord with all your heart." Proverbs 3:5. They will learn God has good plans for us and God hears us when we pray.
Students are coming to the sanctuary for the first part of the service and dismissed with the blessing to their classes. In the Narthex there are bags with crayons and activity pages for the child to complete. There are also mini bags with just pencil, crayons, and a notepad. New this fall are Action Bibles also available for our students. These were a big hit at VBS this summer.
Students are meeting in the following classrooms: (by age)
0-2 years: Nursery (First Floor)
3-4 years old: Nursery Preschool: Preschool Room (First Floor)
Kindergarten and 1st Grade: K and Grade 1 Room (Second Floor)
Second through 5th Grades: Art Room (Second Floor)
Grades 6-8 (Middle School): Geneva Room (Second Floor)
Grades 9-12 (High School): AV Room (Second Floor)
Many thanks to Summer Sunday School Teachers, Assistants and Nursery Workers: Breanne Parks, Lynn Cronk, Prue Dana, Bill Fisher, Katya Fisher, Chris Gudorf, Grady Holmes, Michael Hughes, Susan King, Carol Klumb, Mary Jane Roberts, Katie Saylor, Mary Shinn, and Leanne Staley.
Many thanks to the cleaning crew: Katie Saylor, Leanne Staley, Jennifer Walter, Diane Young, Lynn and Brad Cronk.
Many thanks to the Hughes Family for hosting the Back to School Picnic.
COLLEGE STUDENTS
September 23 from 5:30-7:00 there will be a dinner for college students at the home of Jenn and Scott Walter. Contact Jenn at jenniferwalter37@yahoo.com if you wish to contribute to the dinner
ADULT EDUCATION
See details in this newsletter under ANNOUNCEMENTS for details about a study that Diane Ziegler will lead this fall. This will be a valuable 5-week study based on the book Acedia and Me by Kathleen Norris.
Paul Russell will present an historical study during Lent based upon the time between Alexander the Great and the death of Christ.
WHAT'S COMING
(It's all good, don't head for the cellar!)
September 14 is the date of the Welcome Back Picnic, children are encouraged to bring a friend to church and stay for lunch. (See more details later in this newsletter)
September 20 at 10 a.m. in the Art Room there will be a Teacher Orientation Brunch for all church school teachers.
September 21 Church school teachers will be commissioned.
September 28 is Youth Sunday. Our worship service will be lead by our youth.
In October, Richard Munson and Libby Burch will lead the 45-56 club (4th, 5th and 6th graders) to encourage stewardship of and responsibility of our natural environment.
We welcome our students and their friends to join us for all of our activities. Jenn Burns is our interim youth leader and is also teaching the High School Class.
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact one of the members of the Christian Education Committee.
Lynn Cronk, Chair, Sarah Miller, co-chair, Richard Munson, Katie Saylor, Mary Shinn, Leanne Staley, Jenn Walter, and Diane Young.
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