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 December  2014


TABLE OF CONTENTS
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From Our I-Pastor
BIrthdays and stuff 
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Presbyterian Church services on DVD will be shown at The Knolls on December 9 at 2:00pm and on December 23 at 10:00am. We will be in the Assisted Living dining room and anyone wishing to join us is welcome!

 

 

THANKS TO BECKY QUAY

 

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Deadline for the January 2015
newsletter is 
December 20
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to set up an account
Already have an account?
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From Our Interim Pastor

  

 

Rev. Hart Edmonds 

 

Why do we need an interim time? How long does it take?

 

Someone recently asked me: "Why does OPC need an interim time before calling a new pastor?  Why can't we just elect a Pastor Nominating Committee and call a new pastor right now?"

 

My response went something like this.

Imagine that your best friend has been in a long-term covenant partnership over the past 15 years, or maybe longer.   You develop close relationships like that and often you wish they would never end.   When that relationship ends for any number of reasons, people sometimes wonder who they are in life without that close connection.  It's like some part of you is gone. Maybe your own sense of identity comes into question.

 

CONTINUE TO WHOLE ARTICLE 

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reflect

REFLECTIONS 

Dan Anderson-Little


 

Listening with the Intent to Learn

 

This is the first in a series of reflections about ministry in the 21st Century written by Dan Anderson-Little.  Dan and his wife Linda live in St. Louis, Missouri and are starting a new church called Living Waters.  Dan is the great-great-great-grandson of one of Oxford Presbyterian Church's early pastors, the Rev. Henry Little.  On the weekend of October 11 & 12, 2014 Dan lectured and preached at the Oxford Church drawing lessons from his family's past and the Oxford Church's past and seeing how they can inform our current and future ministry.  These articles continue that conversation.

 

Whenever one of Living Waters' small groups meets, we review our Ground Rules which spell the acronym LOVES:

  • Listening with the intent to learn; 
  • Openness to all topics, perspectives and opinions;
  • one Voice at a time; 
  • Everyone participates;
  • what's Said here, Stays here. 

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minute

MINUTE FOR MISSION

November 23, 2014


 

 


 

  • It is incredible what OPC is doing now, but what is the future?
  • Where do we go from here?
  • Where is the next generation?
  • How do we bring others to the knowledge of Christ in this academic world, this secular worldHow can we be more diverse?  Are we willing to sacrifice our comfort level to BE more diverse?
  • What is the church if it is just four walls?
  • Do we really want to embrace the change, to take the risk?  If so, where and how do we begin?

These are just a few of the important, no, critical questions that you asked during our Bible study on November 2. 

As you remember, over thirty of you stayed after worship, breaking up into five groups, to discuss the Church as Sign, Foretaste, and Instrument of God.  Each group took one of these themes, read and reflected on scripture and then talked about what a church would look like if it were sign...or foretaste...or instrument of God.  The notes from those discussions were transcribed and are included in their entirety in a hand out with the bulletin.  Additional copies are available upon request at the church office.

 

When you do read it, you will see that there are no answers to these questions in the notes. But it is important that we are asking them as we travel this interim journey.  It is important that we are using the scriptures for guidance as we sort through ideas, hopes, and dreams for the future of Oxford Presbyterian Church.

Feedback from this bible study indicated that you thought it was helpful, enjoyed the free give and take of ideas, wanted to know where was this leading us as a church, and that it would be good to have more discussions like this.

 

There is an Interim Transition Team, an ad hoc committee of the Session that coordinated the visit by Dan Anderson-Little and organized the Bible study.  The committee is meeting on a regular basis and will, with God's help, build on this bible study, working on additional opportunities for the congregation to learn and chart our direction.  They will develop a time line for stages of the interim process and effectively

communicate all of this to you.

 

Those of you who attended the Bible study suggested by your comments that you are interested in growing in the faith and figuring out how God wants to use us, discerning our passion and our mission, reaching out to youth and Miami students and meeting them where THEY are, and taking the steps to meet the needs of the ever-changing world we live in. 

Please read the notes and we can all begin to think about and work on

answers to these big questions!

 

Pat Gifford


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christianeducation
 

CHRISTIAN EDUCATION 


 

So many things are happening with the CE Programs, 


 

it's

AWESOME!

(like Erlc's top says!)


 

READ ON!


 


 

 

Celebrate Advent in Your Home and at Oxford Presbyterian

 

Mark 1:15 " The time has come, the kingdom of God is near. Repent and believe the good news."

How does one prepare for Christmas?  The season of Advent provides us with four weeks to get ready for Jesus' birth.  This may be a time of preparation, assembling decorations, baking cookies, parties, preparing cards, and purchasing gifts.  However, Advent goes deeper, we must prepare ourselves to receive the Christ Child. 
 

 


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cares 

 

CARES, CONCERNS, JOYS AND THANK YOUs

 

IN OUR PRAYERS:

Keep these friends in your prayers:

 

Adele McLaren, David Wells (brother of Margaret Butcher), Jim Maynard, John Reller, Stacy Winn, Betty Barnhart, Evelyn Black, Diane Young, Denny Carlson, Cathy Fey, Marilyn Rettig, Brian Hitsman

 

Lord in Your Mercy, Hear Our Prayers

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We remember Debbie Davidson and Ruth and Dick Keebler as they mourn the loss of their mother and our very dear friend, Mary Lee Keebler.

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All Saints Day

We remember our cherished members who have died since All Saints Day 2013.

 

Joyce Bolon, Hal Bondhus, John Dolibois, Mary Dodd Hunter, Richard Jellison, Helen Martin, David Maxfield, Vada Sanford, Martha Shriver, Jack Staberg, Joyce Trump

The All Saints vases in memory of each of our Saints


 


 


 


 


 


 

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JOYS

 

Congratulations! And Happy Anniversary to Marian and Dick Nelson on their 63rd!

 

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Marge and Robert Smith enjoy the choir (as we ALL do!)

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THANK YOU

 

birdhouse builders

 

Birdhouse builders had a great day.  Thanks Dick Munson and everyone!


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deacons

DEACONS

  

Angel Report

Deacons' Angels are those members who are home bound.  Deacons tended their angels this month with 3 calls, 25 visits, 8 cards and 6 errands/rides.

 

Deacons sent 26 caring cards and delivered 5 bouquets of flowers to folks who were recovering from illness/surgery or grieving a lost loved one. 

 

We gave 5 prayer shawls to comfort hurt and gave 1 shawl to celebrate the joy of a new baby. 

 

We delivered 35 pounds of food dropped off by YOU in the Narthex.  We responded to 27 prayer line requests.  

 

Finally, we shopped for the Food Pantry, as per their request for meat (hamburger, chicken, pork, lunch meat) beans and personal care items.

 

Our connection with the Talawanda School District school nurses allowed us to respond to one little guy's need.  Seems it was difficult for his family to provide snacks needed during the afternoon, money being very tight.  The student was already on the school meal program, but had nothing for that afternoon break.  We learned of this from his school nurse.  Deacon funds will provide nourishing snacks through December.  We'll see what might be needed in the new year with some follow-up. 

 

The Stress and Concern Committee of the Deacons helped ease burdens for those who were recovering from surgery by delivering meals, and tended those in grief by helping with receptions and family meals.

 

Because folks use their Kroger Card for the Deacons and because of some exceedingly generous donations, Deacons are able to continue to spend $500 per month for food for Oxford's Choice Pantry and tend little hungry stomachs in the afternoons.
Thank you all.

We depend on you to use your Kroger card and we are grateful for your donations.

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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 Cornelia Browne.

 


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                   women

OXFORD PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH WOMEN

  
 circles

 

THE TUESDAY AFTERNOON CIRCLE 

THE TUESDAY EVENING CIRCLE

     Do not meet in December

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The OPW Christmas Tea will be Sunday, December 14, at 2:30 p.m. in the Molyneaux Lounge. The program is a Christmas story read by Karen Simpson and a Carol Sing with Jean Derickson at the piano. Hostesses are the Coordinating Team. The Contact Person is Karen Simpson, [email protected], 523-8363.  

All are welcomed, even men.

 

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OPC Scheduled Social Events

2014-15

 

 

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.

 February 25 and May 27

               

 

 

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SESSION

session

 

From the November Session Meeting...

 

If you have ever wondered what goes on at Presbytery meetings you will be happy to learn that churches are now being asked to maintain a file of Presbytery meeting packets for two years.  They will be kept in the church office.  Or you could go to a Presbytery meeting!  They are held four times a year.

2014 General Assembly directed " a new configuration of Synod boundaries, based on purpose, partnership, context and call through collaboration between Synods and Presbyteries".  The Synod of the Covenant is asking for input from congregations.  If you have suggestions please use the following url:

     pcusa.org/synod-study

 

Actions of Session:

  • Reviewed comments from the November 2 Bible Study and considered how to focus our energy and attention
  • Approved guidelines for expense reimbursement/cash advances, in the event the church business causes one to be "out of pocket"
  • Approved a manger celebration and chili supper, open to all ages and to the community, on December 21
  • Approved a junior high retreat at Kirkmont May 15 - 17
  • Approved: congregational meeting to elect officers December 14, 2014
  • Installation of officers - January 11, 2015   
  • Annual congregational meeting - January 25, 2015

Mission and Outreach is studying the needs of immigrant communities in Oxford, particularly the Hispanic community.

 

 

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sstewardship

STEWARDSHIP

 

As of November 18, our Financial Secretary, Jean Hitsman, reports that we have heard from 119  "pledging units".   We hope to hear from (at least) 23 more.

 

John D. Curry for the S&F Committee

 

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trustees

TRUSTEES IN ACTION


The trustees joined twelve Miami students on Make a Difference Day to mulch the playground and rake the courtyard.  


 

Nick Fears has taken over the mowing and trimming since Scott left, as a gift to the church.  


 

The Memorial windows need reglazing (imagine that after 90 years!) and we are seeking bids for the sanctuary furnace replacement.  


 


We have just discovered 

that the Seminary roof has serious problems

particularly in the area of the steeple.  


 


 

Look for Tom Holmes and Nick to be heading up the Sunday morning snow/ice brigade.

 

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annoucements

ANNOUNCEMENTS

 

All Church Christmas Caroling- Monday December 22nd  

Meet at Memorial at 6:00 p.m.  Children, Youth, and Adults are encouraged to participate.  Songbooks will be supplied.  There will be two groups, the one with children will go to the Knolls and other homes of parishioners, and the adult group will travel to Woodland Manor and other homes.  After singing there will be fellowship with hot beverages and snacks.  The families with children will go to the Walter Home and the Adult Group will gather at a home to be determined at a later date.    

 

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If you would like to see a recent Presbyterian Church service on DVD one will be shown at The Knolls on Dec. 9 at 2:00 and Dec. 23 at 10:00.  We will be in the Assisted Living dining room and anyone wishing to join us is welcome."

Thanks,  Becky

 

 

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 niters

The First Friday Niters Annual Christmas Party begins at 6:30 p.m. December 5, at the Dericksons, 2650 Oxford-Millville Road. Bring a covered dish and your own table service. If you need a ride, contact Nancy Sturgeon at 523-4309.  Everyone is welcome!

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Decorate at Safe Haven Farm

We are once again invited to decorate the Hatton Center at Safe Haven Farm, a residential home for autistic adults in Butler County. In the past few years we have spent happy hours decorating for the Christmas season turning this facility into a festive wonderland. Decorations that were donated by our church have been stored on site and are ready to be unpacked. We do need fresh greens and willing workers. If you are interested in this opportunity to share the joy of the season, please contact Karen Shearer, 523-5934, or [email protected]We can carpool!

When: Sunday, December 7

Time: 1:00 p.m.

Meet: In the church alley

It takes around 30 min. to get there, and we usually stay 2 to 2 1/2 hours.  Be sure we know you are going especially if you want to car pool.  We don't want to leave you behind!

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THE MITTEN TREE will be bursting with mittens for children of all ages, beginning November 30, the first Sunday of Advent (also December 7 and 14) If you are able, please take a mitten from the tree, write out your check for $40-$50, made payable to the Oxford Presbyterian Church. Place your check inside of the envelope that's already in the mitten, and bring everything to the Molyneaux Lounge. Put these things in the "Mitten Tree Basket". Check off the child's name on the list and write your name next to it. Your donation will allow a gift(s) to be purchased by the parents for their child or children at Wal-Mart. Parents are thrilled to be able to make choices for their children at Christmas time that would otherwise be impossible. Parents are under the supervision of the Family Resource Center who has volunteers at Wal-Mart to assist with the shopping and the check out.

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Question of the month answer.

It's called a "keeper."

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FOOD AND ITEMS NEEDED: COMMUNITY MEAL ON

DECEMBER 31

 

Being Presbyterian sometimes brings its challenges, like hosting a community meal on New Year's Eve. But rather than cancel, we would like to push ahead with a nice meal for those who might miss out on a nice evening, or at least the beginnings of one.

 

 Along with a good warm meal (specifics to be announced), we would also like to start up a more substantial dry goods program. Danny Cross has been our sole effort behind this drive, so to boost the availability of items (and their amount), we are hoping more church members could contribute diapers, toilet paper, toothpaste, canned food, tissues, and other things of this nature.

 

If you can help out this New Year's Eve, please contact Bill Fisher at 524-4504 [email protected].

 

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PLEASE COME AND ENJOY
"CELEBRATION AT THE MANGER",

a Christmas program presented by the children and youth of Oxford Presbyterian Church. This program is sure to warm your heart and fill you with the true spirit of Christmas!

         Sunday, December 21, 2014

         4:00 p.m.

         Oxford Presbyterian Church sanctuary

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A chili supper fundraiser will be immediately following this program in the Seminary to raise funds for the youth's 2015 mission trip!

Help is needed

  • Chili
  • Cookies
  • Fruit
  • Bread or crackers

Contact Person:

Lisa Gayhart,  765-580-0998

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NEEDED:  A PLACE TO SLEEP

This year Judy & Glenn Rymer's, Prue & Steve Dana, and Ellen Buerk have graciously provided bed and breakfast for MU parents and others.  But we need more help, especially for commencement weekend in May.  If you are interested in helping out then, or other weekends, please contact Karen Shearer at 523-5934 or the church office.  You charge the people $100 per room per night and then that money is given back to our church.  Thanks to all who have helped in the past.

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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 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 Dec. 3rd at 7:30 at the home of Judy Fisher:

5 Robin Court. 

Please visit with us to see if you are interested.

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This Advent, the Oxford community will have a fantastic opportunity to deepen their experience of the journey to Christmas.  On Saturday, December 13 at 7pm, at the Oxford United Methodist church, Columbus area band Living Water will present their concert narrative "On a Night Like This".  Living Water has shared their unique music ministry in central Ohio since 2003. "On a Night Like This" uses Scripture, narration and song to retell the timeless Advent story from many perspectives.

 

 

This spiritually powerful event is uplifting and appropriate for all ages. Consult www.livingwatermusic.org for more information. Or contact Molly Franklin at the Oxford United Methodist Church (513-255-1359). A free will offering is accepted at the door.  

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SACRED MUSIC CONCERTS AT MIAMI UNIVERSITY

 

G. F. Handel's Messiah will be performed by the Miami University Chamber Singers, Collegiate Chorale and chamber orchestra. Jeremy D. Jones is the conductor of this performance. Solo movements will be performed by members of the choirs.  

Tickets are available at the MU Box Office. The performance is Tuesday, December 2, at 7:30 pm in Hall Auditorium.

Benjamin Britten's "A Ceremony of Carols," will be performed by the Miami University Choraliers, William Bausano, conductor and with Jacqueline Davis, harpist. Also featured in this concert is the Miami University Men's Glee Club, Jeremy D. Jones, conductor, performing a variety of sacred choral works for men's chorus.

Tickets are available at the MU Box Office. There are two performances of this concert on Friday, December 5, beginning at 7 and 9 pm, in Hall Auditorium

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JOIN IN THE CHRISTMAS SPIRIT WITH A DISPLAY OF NATIVITY SCENES, CR�CHES, AND MANGER SCENES!

One of the pleasures of the Christmas season is observing the many ways in which the birth of Christ is manifested.  Whether you call them nativity scenes, cr�ches, or manger scenes, all contribute to the special meaning of Christmas.  We are having a display of church members' Christmas nativity scenes in the Molyneaux Lounge beginning on Sunday, December 7th with the setting up of displays.  They will remain on display throughout the Christmas season with takedown on Sunday, December 28th.  You may take them home earlier if you want to display them at home on Christmas day.  Please consider displaying your scenes for the pleasure and inspiration of others.  Identifying cards/tents will be available for your use to identify the special nature of your display.  If you have any questions please call Dick Munson at 513-374-2118 or contact him via email at [email protected]Please note:  if your scene is antique or otherwise very valuable you may wish to consider displaying another.  Breakage is always a possibility!

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Programs providing Holiday aid to families are listed by community in a document available at bcesc.org/families.aspx. (Butler County Educational Service Center) You will find listings and information on what services/meals/help is offered and what you may need to take advantage of this.  Consider donating to these causes or helping a needy family by giving them this info. (Thanks to Mary Shinn for this alert)

 

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NEWS FROM HOLLY GAGE

 

Hi Everyone!

It seems like it has taken forever to get to this day but it has arrived and I am ready.

 

Thank you everyone for your generous support, from monetary donations, to French lessons, to help with household things such as mail and plants, to rides to and from the airport and the list goes on. Your outpouring of generosity has been overwhelming and I want you to know that you are all truly appreciated.

 

In about 2 hours I will be heading off to the Dayton airport for the first leg of my flight. I will go from Dayton, to Chicago, to London, to Nairobi then to Madagascar and then an 8-hour bus ride to the ship.  I have learned that there are 5 of us on the flight from Nairobi, to from the US, one from Norway; one from Great Britain and one from ROC although I will confess that I don't know what that stands for and a Google search doesn't help.

 

I am packed and ready to go; the iPad is loaded with books and movies so I should be set for the long haul. I expect to be at the ship on Sunday evening.

 

I will write again once I get there and get my bearings. I did learn that the ship does have air conditioning and that the bunkrooms are basically two beds to a closet with a blackout curtain, which will help with the noise and snoring sounds. The 6 bunks are off a short hallway that ends in a small private sitting area with a desk and TV for the 6 occupants.

 

Also on board the ship are lounge areas, a computer caf�, a Starbucks Caf�, a ship shop with some of the basic necessities and a huge cafeteria. I don't think this will be considered living in the rough.

 

Holly Gage

 

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Deadline for the January, 2015 Newsletter is December 20, 2014

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birthdays 


 

DECEMBER  BIRTHDAYS

 

December Birthdays

 

2       Arnold McCashland

2       Virginia Swanson

2       Ned Stephenson

2       Joe Foltz

4       Jim Wespiser

4       Prue Dana

5       Carol Flee

6       Margaret Smith

7       Kep Small

8       Randy Trostel

9       Mark Hare

9       Evan James

10     Carol Bowers

10     Louise Griffing

10     Sue Skillings

11     Laura Harvey

12     Ann Bader

13     Linda Boardman

15     Sue Wilson

15     Robin Vealey

17     Lynn Jacobs

17     Jan Reinhart

18     Paula Green

18     Ellen Smith

18     Don McKillop

18     Nick Fears

18     Jonathan Hunter

19     Pris Berry

20     Dick Munson

20     Steve Brown

20     Robin Thomas

23     John Curry

25     Holly Gage

27     Anne Bailey

28     Won Ahn

28     Tom Poetter

28     Jean Hitsman

29     Jean O'Connell

30     Nancy Sturgeon

30     Taryn Satkowski

31     Whitney Hartman

 

December DooDads

 

Despite recent events to the contrary, WINTER officially arrives on December 21, 6:03 P.M. EST.

 

An adult human head weighs about 8 pounds or about the same as a light bowling ball.

 

The longest name in the bible is

Mahershalalbaz.

 

Question of the month:

What is the name of the loop on a belt that holds the loose end? 

 

On December 14, 1791, the Bill of Rights was passed

 

Santa's reindeer is named 'Donder', not 'Donner'.

 

Germans hide a small pickle on the Christmas tree.  The first child to find it receives an extra small gift.


 

Each year more than 3 billion Christmas cards are sent in the U.S. alone.

(at 49cents per, what's that postage total?)

 

Approximately 30-35 million real (living) Christmas trees are sold each year in the U.S.

 

December is:

Colorectal Cancer Education and Awareness Month, Exotic Fruits Month, International AIDS Awareness Month, National Fruit Cake Month, National Tie Month, Root Vegetables Month, Spiritual Literacy Month, Universal Human Rights Month, Winter Squash Month, World AIDS Month, Worldwide Food Service Safety Month

 

On December 18,1892 the first performance of Tchaikovsky's ballet The Nutcracker is held

 

Moles can dig 300-feet long tunnels in one night. (and they love to do it in my yard-Ed.)

 

A group of porcupines is called a "prickle." (there's no real POINT in knowing this, it's just kinda fun.-Ed.)

 

25% of US population waits for last minute to purchase gifts

 

What do you call a bunch of grandmasters of chess bragging about their games in a hotel lobby?                                                                  Chess nuts boasting in an open foyer

      
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pastors

From Our Interim Pastor

Full Article


 

Why do we need an interim time? How long does it take?


 

Someone recently asked me: "Why does OPC need an interim time before calling a new pastor?  Why can't we just elect a Pastor Nominating Committee and call a new pastor right now?"


 

My response went something like this.

Imagine that your best friend has been in a long-term covenant partnership over the past 15 years, or maybe longer.   You develop close relationships like that and often you wish they would never end.   When that relationship ends for any number of reasons, people sometimes wonder who they are in life without that close connection.  It's like some part of you is gone. Maybe your own sense of identity comes into question.

 

Lots of emotions are at work when a relationship ends.  There can be varied experiences of grief and maybe some sadness.  Sometimes when a relationship ends, we might even grieve over lost opportunities and what might have been. There are different kinds and degrees of feelings when relationships end.  Some can even catch us by surprise.


 

Now imagine that, having been through all of this, your friend says to you: "I really missed being married. I am signing up for one of those online dating sites with the goal of being married as fast as I can."  Do you know about E-Harmony or Match.com?  How would you reply?

I suspect most good friends, if they felt free to be completely frank and honest, would caution their friend to slow down by saying something like: "You've been through quite a bit over the last 15 years. Why not take some time to be single again for a season, using the time to assess where you have been and what you want and need in the next relationship in order to make good choices regarding that next relationship?

Be careful of making important relationship decisions too quickly on the rebound."


 

So, if you ask me why OPC needs an interim time my response goes something like this:  "You've been though quite a bit over the last 15 years. Why not take this time to focus your vision and assess the church's ministry and mission--where you have been and what you want and need in the next pastoral relationship in order to make good choices? Be careful of making important relationship decisions too quickly on the rebound."

Something to ponder prayerfully . . . .

At a recent session meeting, we discussed the timeline for what OPC needs and wants to accomplish in the months ahead in this transitional time. I'll share further thoughts and information about plans for the coming months in the next newsletter.

                 Your Pastor & Friend,

                  Hart Edmonds


 

  

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little

REFLECTIONS
Dan Anderson-Little
Full Article


 

Whenever one of Living Waters' small groups meets, we review our Ground Rules which spell the acronym LOVES:

  • Listening with the intent to learn; 
  • Openness to all topics, perspectives and opinions;
  • one Voice at a time; 
  • Everyone participates;
  • what's Said here, Stays here. 

Over the past six months, we have found these ground rules to produce a healthy and safe atmosphere for spiritual discovery and growth. 

Over the past couple of weeks, I have also discovered that all of these ground rules, and especially the first one also work great for evangelism.  When we think of evangelism, we often (rightly) think of speaking to others, of telling them the good news of Jesus Christ.  And this is the purpose of evangelism-to share our good news with others.

As Linda and I go about the work of planting a new church that is primarily focused on people outside of the church, we are learning that the first step of evangelism best begins not with speaking but with listening.  Or, as we state in our small group ground rules, "listening with the intent to learn."  Just as a good doctor or nurse first listens to a patient describe his or her malady, a good evangelist must first listen for the longings of other people's hearts.  In previous generations (including that of ol' Henry) it was assumed that the weight of sin and the fear of eternal perdition was the itch that people needed salved with the balm of the gospel.  They preached fire and brimstone and the way to avoid it.  While that approach may work with a few folk nowadays, it mostly doesn't address the existential issues that people are dealing with. And what issues are they dealing with?  We have to listen to find out.  And if we sincerely form relationships with others and sincerely desire to hear them, they will tell us, and we can then share the gospel in ways that will connect with their lives.

 

Here is an example of how starting with listening has helped me be a more sensitive and effective evangelist.  Over the past month, I have formed relationships with people who work at our local mall.  I drop into the shops, let them know that I am a pastor and that I am available for prayer and conversation.  If the person isn't busy, I learn a little bit about him or her.  Then each time I am in the mall, I stop by and say hello (and sometimes hand out chocolates or other treats).  One day I had been commiserating with a variety of clerks over their need to work on Thanksgiving.  Since I would never want to work retail on Thanksgiving, I assumed that would be true of everyone.  Well, in one store, I told a clerk that it was a bummer that he had to work on Thanksgiving and he said, "Oh I don't mind, I love my work!" Do you see my mistake? Before I listened, I assumed what his issue was.  But I was wrong. However, when I listened, I learned something important about him and if an opportunity to share my faith with him comes up, I'll have a clearer idea what to say. Over and over we are finding that people are hungry for God's love and mercy-and if we listen with the intent to learn, we will find ways to share the faith that has so profoundly touched our lives and so profoundly touch theirs.

 

 

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Christian Education Full Article 

This may mean turning from ourselves to God.  Instead of focusing on our own to-do list we must look for the Christ Child.  This may mean helping a neighbor, visiting a friend in a nursing facility, sending a card of encouragement to someone that is having a rough time, prayer, and listening for God to guide us into the world.  It may mean a time of surprises.

The words of the Messiah ring loud and clear, "Comfort, comfort, my people".  Parents, you can prepare your child for Jesus' birth.  Advent means "coming".  Watch for the candles to be lit on the advent wreath representing hope, peace, joy, and love each Sunday before Christmas.  Talk about ways of bringing Advent surprise to your world.  Our church schoolteachers are waiting to teach your children about Advent. We invite you to bring your children to church school in December. Children go to the sanctuary for the first part of the service and they are dismissed to classes following the children's story.    The following classes are available:

  • 0-2 years:  Nursery (1st Floor)
  • 3-4 years old: Nursery Preschool Room (1st Floor)
  • Kindergarten and 1st Grade: K/1st grade Rm (2nd Floor)
  • 2nd through 5th Grades:  Art Room (2nd Floor)
  • Grades 6-8:  Geneva Room (2nd Floor)
  • Grades 9-12:  AV Room (2nd Floor)

"God of surprises, help us to surprise those we love with little acts of kindness.  As we once again await the birth of Jesus, let us remember the surprise of the unexpected, a baby born in a manger.   Amen"


 

Advent Packets will be distributed in the classrooms beginning the end of November for all children and youth.  Such items as Advent Calendar, devotional and craft items are included in the packet. 

  • The family packet will be given out to the youngest family member. 
  • Junior Highs will have a special Advent resource available in the Geneva Room.                                   

November 30th and December 28th there will be childcare available in the nursery, the Preschool Class and the Kindergarten and First Grade Class will meet.  Grades 2 and up are invited to attend the Worship Service. 


 

Activity Bags and Action Bibles are available in the Narthex for children to use during worship. 

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Visit the Nativity Scenes

Cr�ches and Manger Scenes in the Molyneaux beginning December 7.


 

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2nd-5th graders...Come see what's new in Sunday school!

Join us on Sunday, December 7th, for Sunday school and you will see what the excitement is all about

 

You will receive your very own Bible!!


 

That's when Grades 2-5 will begin using a new curriculum called Sparks.  Please join this class in the Art Room on the 2nd Floor to learn about Advent, Preparing for Christ's Birth. 


 

Fun, new curriculum  ~ Spark Activate faith!


Parents...We encourage you to visit sparkhouse.org to read more about this exciting curriculum. It's a fabulous, entertaining curriculum for our children and we know that they will really enjoy it!

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Please reserve Sunday December 21st at 4 p.m. in the Sanctuary for The Celebration at the Manger. The children and youth of Oxford Presbyterian Church will present a Christmas program to the congregation and community in the Sanctuary. The program is called "Celebration at the Manger"!

Details will be emailed to all families of children of the church. There will be speaking and non-speaking parts and ALL interested children will be given parts in the program.

 

A mandatory rehearsal for ALL actors and singers will be held on December 14th from 11:15 a.m.-1:00 p.m. 


 

We look forward to a wonderful Celebration at the Manger program!


 

Service will be followed by a chili supper at the Seminary at 5 p.m., a fundraiser for the Youth Mission Trip. 

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45-56 Club will be meeting again after the First of the Year to make Walking Sticks and to have a Hike. 

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WATCH FOR MORE ADULT CLASSES IN JANUARY! 

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Hello everyone!

Just a few events I want to remind everyone about for these upcoming weeks.

 

December 7th: Christmas Party at my house! 5-7 meeting at the church at 4 we will return by 8. There will be a youth gift exchange and sledding with weather permitting. Boys bring desserts, girls bring sides!

 

December 13th: Parents Night Out! Bring your children in for an evening of movies and games and our youth will entertain as you get an evening to Christmas Shop or enjoy the winter festivities! More information will be provided as the time approaches!

 

December 21st: Youth Christmas Service!!!! Followed by a Chili Supper Fundraiserfor the youth in the Seminary Building!

 

We have had a great turn out in the most recent events I hope that trend will continue!

 

And our first fundraiser has started! From now until May anytime you eat at Buffalo Wild Wings here in Oxford tell the waitress that you belong to Home Team Advantage Group "I" as in "i" for Oxford Presbyterian Youth Group and 10% of your total goes to our youth mission trip!!!!

God Bless,

 

Jenn Burns


 

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We welcome your feedback on the newsletter.   
What is missing from the newsletter that you would like to see?  Let me know.  Thanks, nancy. (and here's an extra for those of you who read this section...Where does a snowman keep his money?  Ready.....in a snow bank! hah!)  [email protected]