headline logotop 
 June/July  2015


TABLE OF CONTENTS
(scroll to see it all)
(click on to JUMP TO)
 
From Our I-Pastor
June/JulyWorship 
Facilities
BIrthdays and stuff 

 

 

 

If you would like to see a recent Presbyterian Church service come to The Knolls on Tuesday, June 11 and Tuesday June 23 .  The service will be shown in the Assisted Living dining room at 10:00 A.M. and anyone wishing to join us is welcome! 

Becky Quay

 

There will not be any DVD services shown in July or August.   

 

 

__________
Deadline for the August 2015
newsletter is 
July 20
 ___________
to set up an account
Already have an account?
_____________________

 

 


________________________________________________________
  

From Our Interim Pastor

  

The Gardener

Rev. Hart Edmonds



Last month, I suggested the image of the 
"midwife" as a metaphor for the experience of 
ministry during this interim/transitional period in the church's life.   I suggested that thismight be seen as a 
pregnant moment in the life of this church.   
Imagine this time, with me, as
assisting God in delivering new life among the people of Oxford Presbyterian Church.  For many people today, there is a longing as well for a rebirth of compassion, of meaning, of purpose in our individual and communal lives.  Pregnancy is also a time of

 travail, 

because giving birth is not effortless.  There is a beautiful prayer from 1475 in which the midwife and others present in the birthing room invoke the Triune God and proclaim the rule of the Christ who had once called forth Lazarus from the tomb:  "Christ calls thee.   The world delights in thee.  The covenant longs for thee...Oh infant, whether alive or dead, come forth.  Christ calls thee to light."   This is a dramatic prayer and call to life!  Such a passionate prayer is called for now in the life of this church.   God is asking you to participate in calling forth new life in this church in order that we may be of service to Christ in the world. 

 

 

CONTINUE TO WHOLE ARTICLE 

Return to Top 

 

_________________________________________________________

 

worshipsched

JUNE/JULY WORSHIP SCHEDULE 


 

Worship Schedule for June-July 2015

" A People of Salt and Light: Jesus' Model for Community"


 

June 7   Why do you think "it takes a community" to live the beatitudes?

Text: Matthew 5: 1-12

Communion Sunday/Reception of New Members

 

June 14  A Church Living for the World:   Salty Christians

Text:  Matthew 5: 13-16

Baptism of Owen Todd

Honored Women Award

 

June 21 A Church Living for the World:  Lighting the Way

Text; Matthew 5: 13-16

 

June 28 Jesus' Vision of Right Relationships

Texts: Matthew 5: 17-48; Matthew 22: 34-40

 

 

July 5  Why We Need praying and Acting to be Disciples

Text:   Matthew 6:  1-18

 

 

July 12   Are We a Great Commandment and a Great Commission Church?

Texts: Matthew 22: 34-40 and 38: 16-20

 

July 19   Are You Ready to Change the Conversation?

Texts: Acts 2: 14-36 Peter asks "What does this mean?
Acts 2: 37  The people respond: "What, then, shall we do?"

 

July 26    Becoming a Missional People


 

Return to Top

__________________________________________________________

reflect

REFLECTIONS 

Dan Anderson-Little


 

(By way of introduction, let me recall to your memory our visit from Dan Anderson-Little last fall, when he visited us here in Oxford to share stories about his ancestor Rev. Henry Little, who served this church in the 1830s.   Dan has long been a dear friend and colleague during our days together in St. Louis. In this article, Dan shares another favorite story about Henry Little and also speaks about the process of ending the new church development he has worked with in the last year.  Like Dan, I do not see this effort as a failure, but a courageous adventure. Rev. Hart Edmonds)

 

One of my favorite stories of Henry Little's ministry is a tale of dogged persistence in the face of a near drowning:

 

One day I had a journey to make, and was told that the river could be forded; but in the first ten feet, the water was running over my horse's neck and into my boots. So I was obliged to go a long way around by the bridge, and I rode all that bitter cold day with wet feet. Just as the sun was setting, I crossed a terrible stream - the water running over my horse's neck and into my boots again - and I was all but carried over the falls; but I safely reached the shore, and in half an hour was welcomed by kind friends.  While the good lady was preparing something to break the fast which had lasted for twelve hours, I took off my socks and wrung out the water, put them on wet, then ate my supper, walked a half mile to meeting, warmed myself up preaching, and came out all right next morning.

CONTINUE TO WHOLE ARTICLE
Return to Top

 _________________________________________________________

______________________________________________

update 

UPDATE FROM THE INTERIM TRANSTION TEAM

 

WE ARE ON THE MOVE!

 

 

The Interim Journey continues as our congregation tackles important questions, critical to discerning our future and calling a new pastor.   Many of us found small group discussions during our Lenten Study series
, Five Practices of Fruitful Living, powerful and meaningful in our personal faith development. Sharing thoughts, feelings, and ideas with other members of our OPC family was a rich and rewarding personal experience.

 

 

Our next steps will begin to pull together our thoughts, ideas, and dreams for the future of our church!  Tip Ziegler, at the request of Session, is coordinating small and large group discussions that will center on four major themes: identifying our neighbors and meeting their needs; how do we become intentional in our personal spiritual development; how is God calling OPC to seek justice in this time and place; and how does the Seminary fit into the mission of OPC.

 

Hmmm, you may think "we've done this before" and you are right!  But five or ten years forward puts us in a new and somewhat different environment with newer challenges and unresolved opportunities that bring a sense of urgency to our discussions!  Worship attendance continues to drop and we still struggle over who we are as the Oxford Presbyterian Church and what God is calling us to do.  We are surrounded by students, faculty and staff at Miami University, but have no missional focus there. 

 

Our Interim Pastor, Interim Associate Pastor, Session and the Transition Team are committed to this journey of discovery and encourage our entire congregation...members and friends in our faith community...to get in on these discussions.  We need your energy!!!  Your thoughts, ideas, and dreams will help shape our future!  Watch for notices in the bulletins, through email, and on the website to sign up for a "Talk Group" in May and June.

 

There is also a group forming to look specifically at outreach to students and the Miami community.  If you are interested in that, contact Tom Poetter (poettets@miamioh.edu) or a member of the Membership, Evangelism, and Fellowship Committee.

 

Let's get on board!!

 

Pat Gifford

For the Interim Transition Team


 

If you have any questions, feel free to contact any member of the team. Pat Gifford, Mary Jo McFadden, Diane Young, Janet Ziegler

___________________

 

Return to Top
__________________________________________________________

christianeducation
 

CHRISTIAN EDUCATION 


 

No childrens' story time during worship in the summer (We'll miss Carol and her bag of goodies!)        

Children in preschool will begin class at 10. Parents please bring your children to the 1st floor classroom before church begins.  Nursery- First Floor Nursery Room (downstairs in education wing)

Preschool- First Floor in the Pre-School area (downstairs in education wing)

_____________________

Attention Parents: Through the summer there will only be Church School for children in the nursery and preschool classes.  It is our hope that parents will bring their older children to worship in the summer: Child friendly worship bulletins will be available to help children participate in the service. 

 _________________________


CONTINUE TO WHOLE ARTICLE


________________________________________________________
cares 

 

CARES, CONCERNS, JOYS AND THANK YOUs

 

 

IN OUR PRAYERS:

  Keep these friends in your prayers

 

Robbie Wells, John Reller, Stacey Winn, Betty Barnhart, Evelyn Black, Cathy Fey, Marilyn Rettig, Sarah Soika

 

Lord in Your Mercy, Hear Our Prayers

_______________

  

On May 25th, we celebrated with Julie and Chris O'Connell the first anniversary of the baptisms of their sons,

Josh and Sam

________________________


 

THANK YOU

 

Dear OPC family,

Thank you for the many, many warm words of support and nurture, cards, and flowers for us as we came to terms with the death of my father.  Your warmth, prayers, and support did not go unnoticed.  Thank you,

Mary Shinn and family

____________________________________________

 



________________________________________________________
deacons

DEACONS

 

The Deacon's will be holding a food drive for Children who will not be receiving school lunches during the summer months.  This Deacon's Children Food Drive will be held in July. Watch for the details to be announced in the bulletin. 

 

________________________________


 

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.



________________________________________________________

                   women

OXFORD PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH WOMEN

  
 circles

 

THE TUESDAY AFTERNOON CIRCLE

Will meet on June 16 at the Knolls.  Lynn Cronk will lead the Lesson, Jean Butterfield will lead the Mission Yearbook and Becky Quay will coordinate the Least Coin.

 

THE TUESDAY EVENING CIRCLE

Will meet at the home of Nancy Sturgeon at 6:30 (note time change).  This is the annual picnic.  Karen Simpson will present the Devotions and Billie Maynard is in charge of the Program

 

REMEMBER:  CIRCLES DO NOT MEET IN JULY


 

____________________________

 

 

RUMMAGE SALE WRAP-UP

 

Congratulationsto the many people who worked for our rummage sale, whether it be donating, setting up, sorting, pricing, or selling the many items, which we had for sale.  We had a very successful sale because of your help.  Special thanks go to these people:

Cia Beal, Pris Berry, Margaret Butcher, Carol Burkhalter, Lawretta Clum, Lynn Cronk, Carol Flee, Rosemary Fisher, Paula Foltz, Pat Gifford, Mary & Ross Hunter, Jane Jackson, Susan & Bill King, Alex Logsdon, Billie Maynard, Rachel Mehl, Marty & Ruth Miller, Nancy Moeckel, Jean O'Connell, Mickey Preston, Becky Quay, Betty Reinhart, Jan Reinhart, Jo Reinhart, Joy Russell, Karen Shearer, Mary Shinn, Karen & Joe Simpson, Robert Simpson, Nick Soika

Ginny Staberg, Leanne Staley, Lucy & Patrick Tella, Sue & Dave Wilson, Jim Wilson, Diane Young, Janet Zeigler.

(If we inadvertently left your name off the list, PLEASE let Nancy know, so she can acknowledge YOU in the next newsletter.  We value everyone's help, and didn't mean to leave you out.)

 

The sale netted just over $3000, which the Oxford Presbyterian Women will use toward their mission work.  God just knew that we would do well after I asked for his help that Sunday in church.  He led me straight to you, our wonderful congregation.  Thank you so much for supporting OPW.

 

Anything that was left over went to

  • Satchels to Children's Services for children taken to Foster homes
  • Towels & blankets to Animal Shelter
  • Shampoo, conditioners & other items to Dove House, the battered women's shelter
  • Clothing to Talawanda School District for students in need
  • Shoes to Kiwanis. The project for shoes is called:  Shoes for H.O.P.E.-- It is sponsored by Missions in Motion and is a project adopted by the Kiwanis Ohio District Governor.  The goal is to collect 2.5 million pairs of shoes.   All donated shoes are refurbished and redistributed throughout developing nations.
  • Some household items sent to Safe Haven Farm sale
  • All the rest went to ShareFest

 

Blessings to you all!

Karen Shearer

________________________________       

  

OXFORD PRESBYTERIAN WOMEN will meet on June 6 from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Western Lodge on the campus of Miami University.  Breakfast will be provided and we will Install OPW Leaders and have the dedication of the Birthday Offering.  Mrs. Charles Darwin (Muriel Blaisdell) will present the program with an "Interview with Emma Darwin".  Please make plans to attend this fun program.  Please choose one of the following lunch choices and turn in your reservation with $10 to Elaine Patterson at the church office by May 26th.

  • Turkey & Swiss Sandwich with fruit salad and bagged snacks
  • Fruit Salad with bagged snacks
  • Hummus and muenster cheese with red peppers on wheat crackers

Please contact Roberta Crain, 523-1026, if you have questions.  See you there.

 

 ______________________________


 

OPW Scheduled Social Events

2015

 

June 6

OPW Women's Retreat  

9-1 Western Lodge  

Program to be announced - Roberta Crain           

 

OPW Coordinating Committee

Molyneaux Lounge, 7:30 p.m.

February 25 

_______________________________________
 

 

Return to Top

_________________________________________________________

SESSION

session

 

 

In depth conversations, among elders, emphasized courage in addressing the changes that are hoped for in the future of OPC.

 

Two graphs were shared that demonstrated how the OPC membership and attendance at Sunday worship services have declined since 2003. Membership has declined 27% and attendance has declined 30%. 74% of the OPC membership does not attend regular Sunday worship.

 

A committee, chaired by Tom Poetter, is being formed (and would welcome anyone interested) to focus on actively encouraging members of the Miami community to participate in OPC life.

 

According to one of the youth who attended the Kirkmont mission trip, May 15 - 17, it was AWESOME.

 

Repair of eight of the nine windows in the Seminary, now underway, has been paid for through donations. Attic repair in the Seminary has been completed and came in under budget.

 

Return to Top
 _________________________________________________________
trustees

Facilities Progress


 

I CAN SEE CLEARLY NOW, THE PANE IS GONE.

As you can see, work on the Stained Glass Windows is underway. The first two windows have been removed for re-leading and repairs as needed.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Answer to the question of the month:

Corn on the cob, because you throw away the husk, cook and eat the kernels, and throw away the cob.

 

The Facilities Group will be interviewing 3 architectural firms soon; the chosen firm to begin preliminary work on looking at 2 main issues for the Memorial.  Those issues are: fellowship space and accessibility. 


 

Work on the roof stabilization is finished.  Ceiling work on the second floor remains to be completed. (see holes above) (Believe it or not, this indicates PROGRESS!)


 

With a view towards safety, we had a wooden ladder built for access from the attic to the bell tower. 

__________________________________________________________


annoucements

ANNOUNCEMENTS

 

 

Becky Quay will be showing the church DVD's at The Knolls on Thursday, June 11 and Tuesday, June 23. The service will be shown in the Assisted Living dining room at 10:00 A.M. and anyone wishing to join us is welcome!    Becky Quay

There will not be any DVD services shown in July or August.  

Thanks!

________________________________

THE JAMIESON AWARD

The Jamieson award is given to a senior or seniors who have made a significant contribution to the church and its youth activities and has been given since 1966.  The S.R. and Luna Weede Jamieson Award Fund is a gift from members and former members and friends of the Women's Society of Seminary United Presbyterian Church and Mrs. Floyd Farquer (Lucille), daughter of Dr. and Mr. Jamieson, with whom they lived after leaving Oxford for El Paso Texas. 

Rev. S. R. Jamieson was pastor of the Seminary Church from 1914 to 1922.  Originally the Seminary Women's Society was asked to make the award of $10.00 each spring.  The award might be increased at the discretion of the executive committee.  The Jamieson's were always interested in young people and fully realized their importance to the church and to the community.  Mrs. Jamieson's grandfather was also a Presbyterian Minister and graduated from Miami in 1829, the 4th graduating class. 

 

In 1992, Quincy and Jean Butterfield increased the Jamieson Scholarship Fund in celebration of their 50th wedding anniversary.  S.R. and Luna Weede Jamieson were pastor and wife for the Seminary congregation when Jean's parents were newlyweds.  Upon their retirement, the Jamieson's returned to Oxford to live, and in December 1942, Dr. Jamieson officiated at the marriage of Quincy and Jean.


 

This year's recipients: It has been over 100 years since Rev. Jamieson preached at the Seminary church and today the award has increased to $200.  Next year will be the 50th anniversary of the presentation of the Jamieson Award. 

Each recipient now receives a certificate, a check for $200 from the Presbyterian Women, and his/her name and photo are entered in the Jamieson Scrapbook that is kept in the Molyneaux Library on the PW shelf.  A Jamieson Plaque also hangs on the wall outside the former Christian Education Office listing previous award recipients.  Some previous award recipients include:  Melinda Wespiser, David Teckman, Jim Sturgeon, Christine Griffing, Michael Rudolph, Jane Fisher, Janet Sturgeon, Diane Ziegler and Stephanie Flee.  Previously Jean Butterfield wrote to all the recipients and asked for an update on their lives and activities. 

This year's award winners:

 

Breanne Parks, niece of Martin and Leanne Staley- Graduate of Talawanda High School. Breanne will attend Wright State.  She has been an active participant at OPC, working in the Nursery every Sunday, attending youth group and church school, participating in the Youth Mission Trips and she currently serves on the Board of Deacons.  Good luck, Breanne!

 

Thomas Payne, son of Keith and Katie

Payne- graduating from William Henry Harrison High School. He will attend St. Thomas Moore College next year.  Thomas has not only been active in the youth group and mission trips but has assisted in AV ministry and participated in worship services.  Recently, the Harrison Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution also mentioned him in the Cincinnati Inquirer for winning the G.S. Knight Essay Contest for his article on Thomas Paine and his contributions to the American Revolution. Thomas will now go on to compete at the state level. Congratulations to you Thomas!

(visit http://ohssardispatch.wordpress.com/?s=thomas+payne

for more details about the essay contest. Use the search window on that page and search "Thomas Payne")

___________________________

GRIEF RECOVERY PROGRAM IN HAMILTON

 

Crossroads Hospice is beginning a new Grief Recovery Method® Grief Support Group in Hamilton this Summer. The Grief Recovery Method® Grief Support Group will guide those who wish to resolve their loss issues and move beyond their grief to a richer quality of life. The 10-week program will be held on Wednesday afternoons, 2:00-4:00pm, from June 3 - August 5, 2015, at Hamilton Central YMCA, 105 N. 2nd St, Hamilton. There is no cost for the program. For further information, contact Donna Hartmann, Bereavement Coordinator at 513-786-3781 or donna.hartmann@crossroadshospice.comp

  

Many blessings,

Donna Hartmann

____________________

 

FIRST FRIDAY NITERS

Will not meet in June

But to make up for that, FFN WILL meet in July.  Nancy Moeckel will share with you the highlights of her January trip to Patagonia.  If you don't know where Patagonia is, plan to attend.  If you want to see some exciting pictures of handsome Chileans, glaciers and volcanoes, plan to attend.  If you want to have fun with friends, plan to attend, and lastly, if you like good food, plan to attend! Bring a potluck dish to share, and be at the Molyneaux lounge at 6:30. 

_______________________

 

WE NEED YOU TO GO OUTBACK AND ROUND UP THESE SUPPLIES FOR VBS.  Cheers, Mate.

 

We anticipate 60 children.

You may leave your donations in the supply room.  Thank you in advance

 

Pringles or nut cans, or coffee cans (small).  Cans that have a thin rubber cover that we can cut a slit in to make a bank. The children will decorate the cans. 

 

A rock that is about the size of a baseball. (not a soft ball) We will paint the rocks.

 

Items to be donated: a new washcloth

a bar of soap

  

Thanks, Prue

___________________________

SUPPORT FOR LOCAL CAREGIVERS

One of the first things you hear as a new caregiver is: to accept your feelings. Caregiving can trigger a host of difficult emotions, including anger, fear, resentment, guilt, helplessness, and grief. It's important to acknowledge and accept what you're feeling, both good and bad. Don't beat yourself up over your doubts and misgivings. These feelings don't mean that you don't love your family member-they simply mean you're human. (www.helpguide.org)

Having a safe place to talk about your particular caregiving situation and challenges can be a helpful way to cope with the everyday stresses of caregiving. It also allows for networking and sharing of ideas that can help with challenging situations.

"I learned about resources that I didn't realize I needed, as well as practical things to help at home while caring for my father. I looked forward to the caregiver support group, especially if I had a particularly rough week and needed to vent a bit. But it was also nice to be able to share successes and learn from one another. We are so lucky to have this support group in Oxford" C. Kabakoff, caregiver.

The Caregivers Support Group meets on the second and last Thursdays of each month, at 1:15pm in the library of Oxford Seniors.  Oxford Seniors is located at 922 Tollgate Drive, Oxford, OH. For more information, please contact Pat Willeke at 513-523-3321.

 

 

________________________________________

staff
 

Oxford Presbyterian Church Staff

web page: www.oxfordpresbychurch.org

Telephone: 513-523-6364

Fax: 513-523-8215

Seminary Building: 513-523-7411

 

 

Interim Pastor: Pastor Hart

Music Director: Kent Peterson

Organist: Lynn Jacobs

Pastor Emeritus: Dr. Joseph R. Hookey

Parish Associates: Dr. Bruce Bueschel, Rev. Diane Ziegler

Administrative Assistant:

Elaine Patterson: office@oxfordpresbychurch.org

Financial Secretary:

Jean Hitsman: finance@oxfordpresbychurch.org

Director/Teacher C.C.N.S.:

Sarah Mapel: 207-3630

Newsletter Editor:

Nancy Moeckel, moeckenj@miamioh.edu

 

 

OFFICERS OF OPC

 

SESSION

Class of 2017:

Mary Jane Roberts, Jeff Smith, Robert Smith, Janet Zeigler, Tip Ziegler

 

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

 

_______________________

 

Deadline for the August, 2015 Newsletter is July 20, 2015

________________________

 

_________________________________________________________
birthdays

JUNE BIRTHDAYS


 

June 2        Sarah Miller

                  Sandy Richardson

                  Bill Fisher

                  Amy McGoldrick

                  Madyson Bommer

June 3        Marlene Vaughn

                  Sandy Schilling

                  Craig James

June 4        Olivia DeGennaro

                  Dylan Gardner

June 7        Jim Sturgeon

June 8        Bill King

                  Joni Marcum

June 10      Rachel Mehl

                  William Bommer

June 13      Scott Hartman

                  Mitch Poetter

June 4        Janet Holmes

June 15      Kelly Richmond

June 17      Maxine Peters

                  Joe Wespiser

                  Pat Roberts

                  Turner Rollins

June 19      Gwen Fears

June 21      Judy Fisher

                  Ian Pacey

                  David Smith

June 22      Charles Skipper

                  John Baer

June 23      Opal Wespiser

                  Andrea Johnson

                  Grady Holmes

June 27      Kate Wespiser

                  Linda Hesford

June 28      Betty Reinhart

                  Cheryl Ferris

June 29      Connie Everhart


 


 

JULY BIRTHDAYS


 

July 1        Jay Baird

                 Janet Stuckey

July 4       Jack Vaughn

July 5       Roberta Crain

July 6        Ann Hardy

                  Isabella Walter

July 10       Nancy Moeckel*

July 12       Will Hazelton

                  David Kraushar

July 13       Richard Ziegler

July14        Jim Maynard

July 15       Dave Kraushar

July 16       Jean Vance

                  Barbara Jena

July 19       Gil Siegel

                  Amanda McGoldrick

July 20       Reba Deiss

July 23       Tristan Gayhart

July 24       Ashley Richardson

July 25       Karen Shearer

July 26       Pat McKillop

July 26       Vicki Pacey

July 29       Alexandra Hazleton

July 30       Matthew Green

July 31       Janet Feazell


 

*Master Editor of Newsletter

(aw shucks, thanks Elaine)             

 

June and July Facts and Tom Foolery

 

How old would you be if you didn't know how old you are?

 

A few advantages of getting older:

1) Kidnappers are not very interested in you.

2) In a hostage situation you are likely to be released first.

3) No one expects you to run -- anywhere.

 

Summer begins with the solstice on June 21 at 12:38 P.M. EDT.

 

The average American eats 15 pounds of watermelon a year

 

Hurricane season begins June 1st and lasts until November 30th

 

Frank and Ethel Mars introduced the Snickers bar in 1929. They named it after their family's horse.

 

Tuesday, June 14 is Flag Day

 

Almost 30% of a hummingbird's body weight is attributed to its flight muscles. Hummingbirds typically live up to ten years in the wild.  In addition to nectar, hummingbirds also eat insects such as gnats and spiders. Hummingbirds hum because they do not know the words.

 

People who are lying tend to look up and to the left.  (shifty eyed, I guess)

 

The United States does not allow the portrait of a living person to appear on a postage stamp.

 

Question of the month?????

Throw away the outside and cook the inside, then eat the outside and throw away the inside. What is it?

Look for the answer hidden somewhere in the newsletter

 

 Return to Top

__________________________________________________________

 

pastors

From Our Interim Pastor

Full Article


 


 

The Gardener

Rev. Hart Edmonds


 

Last month, I suggested the image of the "midwife" as a metaphor for the experience of ministry during this interim/transitional period in the church's life.   I suggested that thismight be seen as a pregnant moment in the life of this church.   Imagine this time, with me, as assisting God in delivering new life among the people of Oxford Presbyterian Church.  For many people today, there is a longing as well for a rebirth of compassion, of meaning, of purpose in our individual and communal lives.  Pregnancy is also a time of travail, because giving birth is not effortless.  There is a beautiful prayer from 1475 in which the midwife and others present in the birthing room invoke the Triune God and proclaim the rule of the Christ who had once called forth Lazarus from the tomb:  "Christ calls thee.   The world delights in thee.  The covenant longs for thee...Oh infant, whether alive or dead, come forth.  Christ calls thee to light."   This is a dramatic prayer and call to life!  Such a passionate prayer is called for now in the life of this church.   God is asking you to participate in calling forth new life in this church in order that we may be of service to Christ in the world. 


 

This month, I want to briefly explore the image of the Gardener for our ministry.   In my family, Cheryl is the gardener, and I am the helper who operates the tiller.  A gardener has a two-fold task.  A gardener must tend to the ground as well as cultivate the plants growing in the ground.  The gardener does not make the plants grow, God does.  The gardener attends to their growth as the plants become what they are meant to be.  We are like gardeners when, as we continue to tend to ourselves, we tend to others in all seasons of life. 


 

The Ground of Community:  Gardeners know that before they plant, they must consider the composition, condition, and needs of the soil.  After understanding the nature of the soil, they will need to know which plants thrive in it.  They will know what nutrients will be needed to supplement the soil and will understand how the ground holds water.   The health of the environment around us impacts the health of the church.  When there is toxicity in our surrounding environment it adversely affects all other living things, including a faith community.  We can be made sick by the poisons of racism, economic greed, homophobia, violence, and many other expressions of hardheartedness and hatred.  But there is this hope as well.  The vitality and health of a religious community contributes to the strength and health and energy of its larger surrounding community.   What contribution of health do you hope this church makes to its immediate and larger community?


 

We are helped by a larger awareness of how we are connected to a wider world, with what has been called "the Butterfly Effect"- the flutter of butterfly wings in one part of the world can create vibrations that in turn cause massive weather changes in another part of the world.  One small movement can create great change.   Communities of faith need to remember that small just actions can contribute to big changes in the surrounding environment.   Imagine how Oxford Presbyterians can help make a difference across the entire world, beginning right here!


 

 ______________________________________________________

little

REFLECTIONS
Dan Anderson-Little
Full Article

 

Ministry is Perilous

Rev. Dan Anderson-Little

 

(By way of introduction, let me recall to your memory our visit from Dan Anderson-Little last fall, when he visited us here in Oxford to share stories about his ancestor Rev. Henry Little, who served this church in the 1830s.   Dan has long been a dear friend and colleague during our days together in St. Louis. In this article, Dan shares another favorite story about Henry Little and also speaks about the process of ending the new church development he has worked with in the last year.  Like Dan, I do not see this effort as a failure, but a courageous adventure. Rev. Hart Edmonds)

 

One of my favorite stories of Henry Little's ministry is a tale of dogged persistence in the face of a near drowning:

 

One day I had a journey to make, and was told that the river could be forded; but in the first ten feet, the water was running over my horse's neck and into my boots. So I was obliged to go a long way around by the bridge, and I rode all that bitter cold day with wet feet. Just as the sun was setting, I crossed a terrible stream - the water running over my horse's neck and into my boots again - and I was all but carried over the falls; but I safely reached the shore, and in half an hour was welcomed by kind friends.  While the good lady was preparing something to break the fast which had lasted for twelve hours, I took off my socks and wrung out the water, put them on wet, then ate my supper, walked a half mile to meeting, warmed myself up preaching, and came out all right next morning.

Can you imagine engaging in such ministry? Risking life and limb for the sake of the Gospel? Henry's story reminds us that ministry in every time is not for the faint-hearted-for while we don't frequently have to ford streams on horseback in the bitter cold, we do have to endure dangers, toils and snares as we go about fulfilling our calls to ministry. 

A year ago, my wife Linda and I set out on a bold and perilous journey of starting a new church in St. Louis.  The Oxford Church was one our early financial and spiritual supporters.  So it is with great sorrow that I now report to you that this past month we made the difficult decision to bring this new church, Living Waters, to a close.  We made this decision because Linda has been dealing with chronic migraines for the past nine months.  The plan for Living Waters needed both of us to work at full capacity and that has not been possible.  So rather than continue to use up precious resources, we decided to stop.

We certainly do not think of this past year as a failure-for we have gained valuable skills for and insights about ministry in the 21stcentury and the ministry that we did accomplish touched many lives with hope and grace.  Like the impassable stream that threatened to block ol' Henry's journey, we are figuring out another way to cross over-and we trust that God will lead us to that path. We also know that we will find friends along the way who will invite us to take off our boots, to warm ourselves by the fire, and to be filled with good things to eat.  Do know that you, Oxford Church, have been and will continue to be such a friend to us!Ministry in every time is never easy-indeed, it can be downright perilous.  But that is not a reason to shy away or play it safe, but rather it is a reminder to trust more and more on the God who has begun a good work among us and who will bring it to completion by the day of Jesus Christ. Our resurrection faith assures us that as we are faithful, everything will come out right in the morning.

 

Linda and I continue to thank God for your faithfulness and for the risks in ministry that you are taking even now. We are strengthened and encouraged by you!

 

____________________

  
Return to Top

__________________________________________________________

CHRISTIAN EDUCATION

educaton 

Full Article

 

No childrens' story time during worship in the summer (We'll miss Carol and her bag of goodies!)        

Children in preschool will begin class at 10. Parents please bring your children to the 1st floor classroom before church begins.  Nursery- First Floor Nursery Room (downstairs in education wing)

 

Preschool- First Floor in the Pre-School area (downstairs in education wing)

_____________________

Attention Parents: Through the summer there will only be Church School for children in the nursery and preschool classes.  It is our hope that parents will bring their older children to worship in the summer: Child friendly worship bulletins will be available to help children participate in the service. 

_____________________


 

VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL, Mate!

G-Day Mates!  The Oxford United Methodist Church hosts this year's VBS experience and teams up with area churches for this Aussie adventure.  Here Kids explore God's monumental love and discover what it means to have an unshakeable faith.

REGISTER NOW

Where?  The Oxford United Methodist Church, 14 N. Poplar St, Oxford

When?  July 10-12: Friday from 5-8pm, Saturday 9:45-1pm, and Sunday 9:45-11:00

How to Register? Visit OUMC.org. Click under QUICK LINKS on Kids Program.  There you will find the online registration form.  Registration is also available at the time of drop-off.

Contact OUMC at 513-523-5111 

Our contact for all things VBS is Katie Saylor 312-284-3164

We need 1 person to coordinate one meal during VBS.  This involves finding volunteers to provide a simple meal for the participants of VBS at the OUMC.  Please call Katie Saylor or Lynn Cronk if you can help.  _____________________________

Volunteers still needed to teach the Preschool Sunday School Class beginning June 7th.  Call Lynn Cronk if you can help with this ministry during our summer schedule.  Materials will be provided. 

___________________

CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR GRADUATES

High School Graduates are:

  • Thomas Payne, son of Keith and Katie Payne
  • Susanna Smith, daughter of Jeff and Margaret Smith
  • Breanne Parks, niece of Leanne and Martin Staley

 

 Our college graduate is Jennifer Burns, who earned her degree at IU-Richmond

______________________

KIRKMONT MISSION TRIP

 

Seven of our youth and three chaperones visited Kirkmont Center in Zanesfield, OH, May 15-17th. The team included: Allyson Gayhart and friend Aubrey Hornung, Grady Holmes, David Kraushar, Austin Lake, Nick Payne, and Eli Walter. Chaperones were Leanne Staley and Jennifer and Scott Walter. Their mission: Painting outdoor furniture for the Goodrich Lodge. Saturday, the group was able to access a High Ropes course, which included a climbing wall, zip-line and giant swing. A rainy afternoon hampered the painting efforts however a low ropes indoor course provided teambuilding exercises and games! It was a wonderful, fun-filled weekend for all. Way to go Youth!!!

 Thank you, Leanne Staley, for organizing the mission trip!!!  Thank you Jenn and Scott Walter!!!!

_________________

 

If you have questions about the Christian Education Program please contact any member of the CE Committee, Lynn Cronk, Sarah Miller, Dick Munson, Katie Saylor, Mary Shinn, Leanne Staley, Jennifer Walter and Diane Young.   

  
 Return to Top


_______________________________________________________

We welcome your feedback on the newsletter. We CRAVE your feedback as if it were chocolate  What is missing from the newsletter that you would like to see?  Let me know.  Thanks, nancy.  moeckenj@miamioh.edu
(and here's your bonus for reading this section: Why didn't they play cards on the Ark ?
 Because Noah was standing on the deck.