TABLE OF CONTENTS (scroll to see it all) (click on to JUMP TO) From Our I-Pastor |
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There will not be any DVD services shown in August.
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Deadline for the September 2015
newsletter is
August 20
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From Our Interim Pastor
What's a Church Mission Study & Why Is It Valuable to Complete?
Rev. Hart Edmonds
There's an old saying, if you don't know where you are going, any old road will do.
When a church life Oxford Presbyterian Church has enjoyed a fruitful long-term pastorate of some 16 years, it's tempting to just keep on doing what you've been doing. Why change? Why can't we just elect a Pastor Nominating Committee and get on with the business of calling the next pastor? That's a reasonable question. But the question is whether keeping on doing things the same way is really the response to God's calling for this congregation.
In my work as an interim pastor, I see my role as doing the best I can to help you assess your current strengths and weaknesses as a congregation, but also to examine the challenges and opportunities for ministry in the world around you. I want this church to be in the best position it can be in to step forward into an exciting future with the very best pastoral leadership that can be found. This is a vital church where the lives of countless generations can be impacted for the future!
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From Our Interim Associate Pastor
Reverend Cheryl Edmonds
July 18 Canoe Float.
What a great time was had by all! Even those who experienced an unexpected baptism!
 
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Coming up:
Youth Mission trip participants will be leading the Worship Service and sharing their memories.
 
Looking ahead - Save the dates
Confirmation: There will be a meeting after worship on September 20 for parents and all young people who will be participating in Confirmation during the 2015-2016 school year.
Confirmation is open to any young people eighth grade and older who have not been confirmed. Confirmation will begin in October this year and will be coordinated with Youth Programming and Sunday Church School. Everyone involved in Confirmation needs to be present for this meeting. Come hear about the schedule, expectations, retreats, mentors, service, and fun.
Adult Spirituality: Beginning in September - Small group plunge into adult spirituality led by Pastor Cheryl Edmonds with the book,
 Naked Spirituality: A Life with God in 12 Simple Words, by Brian McLaren.
In the book McLaren presents a four stage framework for understanding the spiritual life, and he unfolds spiritual practices appropriate to each stage. Each practice is rooted in a single word: here, thanks, O, sorry, help, please, when, no, why, behold, yes, silence.
The book is a great springboard for going deeper with God and with each other. This will be a 12 week encounter and those who participate will be asked to keep a 12 week covenant with each other.
Adult Bible Study: The theme will be the rich material  on blessing in the Old and New Testaments supplemented by a book by John O'Donohue, To Bless the Space Between Us. We will explore
what blessing looks like, sounds like, and feels like and we will discover how we can bless and be a blessing to others. O'Donohue wrote out of the Celtic blessing tradition and he offers his book of blessing for a wide variety of life situations. As we study the scriptures we will read and talk about the blessings that O'Donohue composed and write some of our own. Late Fall - Time/s and place/s to be announced.
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REFLECTIONS Dan Anderson-Little
In addition to being one of the early pastors of Oxford Presbyterian Church and starting countless churches all over the "West" (Ohio and Indiana primarily) from the 1830's to the 1870's, Henry Little was also the father of four Presbyterian pastors
All of Henry's sons mirrored their father's ministry: they moved around a lot, they were ardent warriors for social justice (particularly abolitionism), and they burned with an evangelical zeal. Henry's second son Henry Smith Little (my great-great-grandfather) followed his father as a superintendent of home missionaries, in his case in the state of Texas from 1879 to 1906.
A history of the Synod of Texas relates the following story about Henry Smith Little that I find instructive for the church today:
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UPDATE FROM THE INTERIM TRANSTION TEAM
If you have any questions, feel free to contact any member of the team. Pat Gifford, Mary Jo McFadden, Diane Young, Janet Ziegler
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CHRISTIAN EDUCATION
Thanks to VBS Workers
Fall Schedule
Classrooms, Teachers and Curriculum
Recruitment for Teachers
Workshop for Teachers
Save the Date for 3rd and 4th Graders -- Receiving Bibles
Coming Up- Confirmation Classes to Begin
The Outback Rocked, thanks to all who contributed rocks, cans, washcloths, soap, food, money, and time to VBS for 2015. At last count 74 children participated in this year's Vacation Bible School that was held at Oxford United Methodist Church July 10, 11, and 12. Katie Saylor and Prue Dana were the two representatives from OPC to coordinate this experience with Oxford United Methodist Church and also Faith Lutheran Church.
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CARES, CONCERNS, JOYS AND THANK YOUs
IN OUR PRAYERS:
Keep these friends in your prayers
Police Officer Pete Reising, Gene Hesse, Robbie Wells, John Reller, Stacey Winn, Betty Barnhart, Evelyn Black, Cathy Fey, Marilyn Rettig, Sarah Soika.
Lord in Your Mercy, Hear Our Prayers
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DEACONS
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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OXFORD PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH WOMEN
THE TUESDAY AFTERNOON CIRCLE THE TUESDAY EVENING CIRCLE
CIRCLES WILL RESUME MEETING IN SEPTEMBER
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HONORED WOMAN AWARDS
Our first honoree has served as an elder for 18 years. She has been a member of the Music and Worship Committee and also the Mission and Outreach Committee. She co-founded the Peacemaking Committee in 1983. She continues to serve on this committee. She helped create the Mediation Project at Talawanda Middle School. She created the Wished-for-Gifts program in our church, which is now known as the Mitten Tree project. At Kirkmont Camp, she taught art to kids in 3rd through 12th grades. This talented lady helped paint the murals that grace the walls and stairwells in the Sunday School area. For over 10 years, she taught Sunday School. She helped with many youth fellowship projects.  She chaperoned 3 youth mission trips to Habitat for Humanity sites. Perhaps you have seen her at our church cookie sales in December. There, she helps sell gifts made by women in 3rd world countries. This talented lady has co-authored entertaining skits for retirement celebrations. For over 20 years, she has sung in the chancel choir. Let's thank our first Honored Woman: Mary Jo McFadden
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Our 2nd honoree is one to those special people whose vocabulary does not include the word, "no." She blesses this church with her willingness to serve. Years ago, she helped make felt ornaments for our church Christmas bazaars. She was a chairperson for one such event. Recently, she completed as 12-year stint as a church officer. She was a deacon for 6 years, serving as a moderator. Following that, she served as an elder for 6 years. As chairperson of the Worship and Music Committee, she scheduled people to serve communion every month. Her interests include missions. She was a member of our church who traveled to both Colombia and to Russia. Ever the peacemaker, she radiated love to those around her on those trips and assisted her fellow travelers. She received the Peacemaking Award in 2013. When help is needed, she steps up.  For our community dinners, she sets-up, serves, and washes dishes. She has coordinated the Mitten Tree Project 3 years. She taught Sunday School and helped with youth fellowship. She has served as a hostess for receptions after funerals. She is frequently a liturgist. She helps decorate Safe Haven Farm at Christmas. Her most recent role is as Chairperson of Ways and Means for Oxford Presbyterian Women, an appropriate niche for one who has ways of gently twisting arms and means of getting things done. She was involved in every aspect of this spring's rummage sale, from putting up tables, sorting, displaying, selling and loading boxes of charity donations onto trucks. This lovely lady is a go-getter who can do it all! Let's thank her: Karen Shearer.
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I'd like to thank everyone who participated in our Campbell Labels and Box Tops for Education endeavor. I sent them off in May. I know OPW is in competition with schools for these things but I like to think of this project as an addition to our monetary donation to Menaul. Appreciate all those who helped stuff the envelope. Now of course we will be collecting for next May. --Karen Simpson
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Now a few words about PARACHUTE. This group supports Court Appointed Special Advocates. (Sue and Dave Wilson can tell you much  more about the work being done.) CASA volunteers protect the interests of the most vulnerable, abused children. A child with a CASA volunteer is: More likely to have a plan for permanency and be safe while in the system; Half as likely to re-enter the foster care system; More likely to do better in school; and, More likely to find a safe, permanent, loving home. PARACHUTE is in our OPW budget for a $200 annual donation. They always need volunteers to help more children. Butler County PARACHUTE is located at 284 N. Fair Avenue, Hamilton, OH 45022,513-867-5019. (see more volunteer info under announcements.)
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SESSION
Session June meeting
-Scripture reading from 2 Timothy: 1: 1-7 led to brief discussion of rekindling of hope, energy and interest in the OPC congregation.
- Mission study team is being formed for the purpose of writing a document that will be used to create the church information form - this form is sent to presbytery and thus will be distributed to possible candidates for the position of pastor/s of OPC.
- A retreat will be offered on September 12, 2015 to elders, deacons, and other key leaders. Objectives include shaping direction for the year ahead, clarifying ministry we wish to fulfill, stimulate joy and hope in our work, build relationships.
- Confirmation class to begin in the fall of 2015
- CCNS will continue to be a mission of OPC and will be supported with our time, resources and leadership, in a Christian environment and subject to timely review each year. A board of six people will be established, consisting of the teacher, assistant, parent from M, W, F, class and one from T, Th class as well as two church members (one of which will be a liaison from session).
Session does not meet in July
Answer to the question of the month
308,758,105
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A SPECIAL REPORT ON THE CANOE ADVENTURE
Our Canoe Trip
Written by Isabella Walter
On July 18, 2015 we went to the Whitewater River to go canoeing. The Whitewater River is in Brookville, Indiana. It was a great day to go canoeing, because it was a zero chance of rain so it was warm and sunny. While we were canoeing a couple of our canoes tipped over, but there were only minor injuries. We didn't just canoe! We stopped to swim, fossil hunt, and skip rocks. We also stopped to eat lunch. Greg Hughes built an awesome fire and we cooked hot dogs and s'mores. After we canoed for eight miles, we rode a bus back to Brookville. We had a lot of fun and we look forward to our next adventure with our church family.
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INTRODUCING
A NEW COLUMN
Do you know something about the church you want to share? It can be a person, an event, your special memory, a story, whatever. Others would love to know what you know. Please share. With interest and response, this will be a permanent column. Send your write-up to Nancy. Or call and we can chat. Who will be our next guest contributor? YOU!
John Curry is starting us off with a column about the Memorial bell. Thanks John. You set the bar high! J
MEMORIAL BUILDING BELL - A STORY WORTH TOLLING
An interesting newspaper article from 1925 stated that the congregation of the Oxford Presbyterian Church was divided as to whether their new church building should have a church bell or not. Can you imagine that? The article further stated that a church tower was in the plans and, if the church decided to have a bell, the bell would be from the old church building - soon to be demolished. Ten years ago, that same bell tower in the Memorial Building was rebuilt thanks to a very generous gift. Part of the renovation process involved lowering the bell to the ground so it could be cleaned, equipped with new A-stands and a rebuilt yoke. This work was done by the Verdin Co. of Cincinnati. The bell weighs about 1000 pounds and is made of bronze. It was made in West Troy, NY by the Meneely Foundry and is dated 1854. That date is consistent with the bell being part of the former church building. The Trustees opted to place a striker inside the bell to ring it electrically. The striker control is on the second floor on the wall outside a classroom under the bell tower. Most Sundays, the children in Mrs. Miller's class ring the bell so we can all hear the same sound that has welcomed worshippers to this Church for well over a century.
John D. Curry
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There will not be any DVD services shown in August.
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 Elaine, yes our own Elaine, has announced her RETIREMENT! No Christmas gift for us, it will take place in December.
We are indeed very happy for Elaine and the great fun she  will have as a retiree!
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What do penguins, volcanoes, the Strait of Magellan,  Nancy Moeckel
and this man have in common? Find out at First Friday Niters, August 7 at 6:30 in the Molyneaux Lounge. Join the potluck fun! (Hint: it has something to do with a recent trip to Patagonia!)
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CAMPS THAT CHANGE THE WORLD INCLUDES THE KIRKMONT CENTER
The Kirkmont Center has been selected as one of sixty summer camps across the United States that "Change the World". Nominated by parents, community members, counselors, and campers, the camps are recognized for serving young people by connecting their faith with passions of service, justice, and advocacy.
The Kirkmont Center has long been central to the summer of scores and scores of Oxford Presbyterian Church children, youth, and adults.
An outreach program, Faith3, of the McCormick Theological Seminary, made the selection. Faith3 is a an initiative created to develop new programs and identify existing resources that support the church to be present in the lives of young adults and for the gospel to be an affirming, instructive and sustaining force for them.
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A DECADE OF WORKING WITH RUSSIANS
In the autumn of 2005 a group of five representing the Oxford Presbyterian Church were preparing to go to a place that few Americans had been-central Russia. The purpose of the trip was to cement a partnership relationship that had started with a six-week residence stay by Russian Pastor Igor Maksakov. Since 2005 the Oxford Presbyterian Church has been a major supporter of Igor's work in South-Central Russia. More specifically the impact of the OPC has been:
* contributing 80% of the cost of a heating system for the Chelyabinsk Theological Institute (now a Seminary). OPC members gave Igor a sizeable "Love Gift" when he departed. While there were no restrictions on the use of this money he bought a furnace.
* provided 50% of the cost of a security system for the Institute. Financed from the Russian Fund and budget appropriations.
* helped purchase a reconditioned truck/van for the Institute.
* contributed 50% of the cost of a roof repair/replacement for the First Church in Zlatoust.
* as most know several thousand dollars have been sent to the First Church of Zlatoust for shoes to Russian orphans.
The support for the partnership continues. Following the 2014 study trip by OPCers, funds for a generator and a trampoline were sent to support the summer camp program conducted by the First Church of Zlatoust.
Where is Igor? When Igor was introduced to the Oxford Presbyterian Church he was the Bishop, or Presbyter, of sixty-four churches in the Oblast of Chelyabinsk and President of the Chelyabinsk Theological Institute. NOW Igor is President of Grace Seminary (it is still served by the "Oxford furnace").
The footprint of the seminary covers several oblasts (states), maybe some bordering nations, and Igor has become a major voice in the direction of the church in Russia.
Your support makes a difference!
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OUR MISSION CO-WORKERS SPEAK
The Fall of 2015 will feature presentations by several of the Oxford Presbyterian Church Mission Co-Workers-people that challenge the Oxford Presbyterian Church with their work.
On October 12, 2015, the OPC will be privileged to host Ellen and Al Smith, Mission Co-Workers in Russia and several countries of the former Soviet Union.
Prior to the October date the Mission and Outreach Committee will be scheduling several "Fellowship with . . ." programs. Many will remember the value of the "Fellowship with Josh" hour during his visit to our church. With the same format Ross and Mary Hunter (Pioneers International), Holly Gage (Mercy Ship), and Jenny Bailer (Partnership to Reduce Infant Mortality) will keep us informed of their important mission work.
The Mission and Outreach Committee
(note: Holly Gage will be the guest speaker for the OPW's Fall meeting.)
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HERE'S YOUR CHANCE TO STEP UP AND HELP. JUMP IN WITH BOTH FEET!
NEEDED: Someone to polish brass - offering plates, door handles, push bars, candelabras, candles.
NEEDED: Worship and Music: Funding is needed to purchase a new Christmas Tree for the Sanctuary.
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A VERY SPECIAL VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITY
Dear Friends and Community Volunteers,
We are gearing up for the Fall 2015 CASA training class. Training will begin in September and we ask for your help in spreading the word about the need for new CASA volunteers. Do you know anyone who is looking for a rewarding volunteer opportunity, has a desire to work with children, and is at least 21 years of age and older?
Help us recruit new Court Appointed Special Advocate volunteers - to assist more children in need.
COME & BRING A GUEST for a CASA OPEN HOUS & ICE CREAM SOCIAL
TUESDAY AUG 4th 6-7pm
FREE ICE CREAM SUNDAES at the PARACHUTE office
located behind the Butler County Juvenile Justice Center
Thank you for your valuable support and for referring people to join in the CASA movement to speak up for abused children
Sincerely,
Chris Schultz
Executive Director
PARACHUTE: Butler County CASA
Court Appointed Special Advocates
284 N. Fair Avenue
Hamilton, OH 45011
513-867-5010
casa@parachutecasa.org
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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
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Deadline for the August, 2015 Newsletter is July 20, 2015
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August Birthdays
AUGUST BIRTHDAYS 2 Tom Crist 3 John Bailer 3 Amanda Bommer 4 Mary Niehoff 4 Sydney Rollins 6 Mary Bachmann 8 Mel Derickson 8 Cornelia Browne 8 Carol Burkhalter 8 Amy Burke 9 Louise Limper 9 Marjory Leflar 11 Elaine Patterson 12 Amy McGoldrick 13 Janet Ziegler 13 Bryce James 13 Jason Okeoma 14 Peggy Harrington 14 June Sheard 14 Diane Young 15 Matthew Lykins 16 Robert Smith 17 Eileen Jeck 18 Robert Simpson 18 Elijah Walter 18 Lauren James 19 Marjorie Smith 19 Cameron Shriver 22 Norah Green 25 Peggy Hughes 26 Sarah Barr 26 Harrison Green 28 Ross Hunter 28 Isabel Lykins 29 Sandy Douglass 29 Jennifer Harvey 29 Rob Rollins 29 Katherine Curry 31 Isabel Shoker
August Anomolies for our Celebrants August is National Catfish, Family Fun, Goat Cheese (I kid you not), Peach, Picnic, Romance, and Sandwich Month.
August 1, 1944. ANNE FRANK the young diarist makes her last entry. Her family was found by the Nazis and taken to concentration camps. Her diary described their previous 756 days of hiding. 1980 - Vigdis Finnbogadottir was elected President of Iceland, the world's first democratically elected female head of state. 1790 - The first United States Census was conducted. There were 3,929,214 people counted that year Question of the month. What was the population of the US in the last census? (as always, hunt thru the newsletter for the answer)
Employment applications always ask for who is to be called in case of an emergency. I think you should write, "an ambulance." The 2015 Perseid meteor shower will peak around August 11. A new moon on August 14, 2015 will create perfect conditions for watching the meteor shower. 1987 - The Federal Communications Commission rescinded the Fairness Doctrine, which had required radio and television stations to present controversial issues "fairly".  August 14, 2003 Peggy Moeckel was a new little puppy! (editorship has its privileges) | |
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Full Article
What's a Church Mission Study & Why Is It Valuable to Complete?
There's an old saying, if you don't know where you are going, any old road will do.
When a church life Oxford Presbyterian Church has enjoyed a fruitful long-term pastorate of some 16 years, it's tempting to just keep on doing what you've been doing. Why change? Why can't we just elect a Pastor Nominating Committee and get on with the business of calling the next pastor? That's a reasonable question. But the question is whether keeping on doing things the same way is really the response to God's calling for this congregation.
In my work as an interim pastor, I see my role as doing the best I can to help you assess your current strengths and weaknesses as a congregation, but also to examine the challenges and opportunities for ministry in the world around you. I want this church to be in the best position it can be in to step forward into an exciting future with the very best pastoral leadership that can be found. This is a vital church where the lives of countless generations can be impacted for the future!
The Mission Study currently being undertaken by a team to be appointed by the Session will begin work soon to complete a profile of the mission opportunities and challenges that will be part of determining the best choice of a new pastor. Once this study is completed and approved by the Committee on Ministry, a Pastor Nominating Committee (PNC) will be elected by the congregation. A Mission Study will help guide the PNC in selecting the best pastoral leadership for the next chapter in the church's life.
Take a look at the world around you, and most of us realize the place of the church and of faith has changed enormously. Just think about your own family and friends and how many of them find that the church doesn't seem relevant to their lives. Does that mean we've done something wrong? No, not always. In fact, as one observer of church and ministry in today's world puts it, "It's Not About You." Your church, Oxford Presbyterian Church, did not cause changes in attitudes toward involvement in church. And yet God does not expect us to remain passive in the face of profound change. "See, I am about to do a New Thing," says God according to the prophet Isaiah. This means, that "Yes, It Is About You" and how we as Christians and as a church will respond to the faith challenges and opportunities of our day.
A Mission Study offers the opportunity to take stock of where the church has been (its past), where it currently finds itself (the present), and where the Spirit of God is leading the congregation (the future). Often the past can seem more comforting than the future, which is filled with uncertainties. But ours is a God of the future who called our ancestors of faith, like Abraham and Sarah, to go forward into the future in order to be a blessing to others.
Since I began my service as interim pastor with Oxford Presbyterian Church, you've heard me pose a number of questions, like: What is God calling us to be and do? Who are the neighbors God is calling us to serve and share our faith with? What's a Church for, anyway? And, recently, "What's the Church at Its Best?" Those are good questions and we've been sharing them in small group conversations, in sermons and worship, and sometimes you've met with me 1 on 1 to discuss those questions.
You've also heard me offer up another question, usually when we've shared a cup of coffee or visited personally: What is the cross-roads that Oxford Presbyterian Church is facing at this point in its life? Rarely have I found people hesitant about responding to that question. Often concern is voiced about the future of Oxford Presbyterian Church, given the steep decline in worship attendance and membership over the last dozen years. Our church records indicate that average worship attendance in 2003 was about 215, whereas in the past year it was about 95. In a three year period, from 2013, there was a decline of about 25 in worship. That decline is cause for concern, and it should stir a healthy urgency about renewing the church's sense of call and ministry to the world around it. It poses another question, "What size church does Oxford Presbyterian Church need to be in order to pursue the kind of ministry that is effective and vital?"
Here's where a Mission Study becomes valuable by asking the question, "What business are we actually pursuing as a congregation?"
- Are we in the fellowship business?
- Are we in the social action or social service business?
- Are we in the investment management business?
- Are we in the survival, maintenance mode business?
- Are we in the business of meeting the needs of current members primarily, or on a missionary outreach to the surrounding community of Oxford and Miami University?
- Are we in the business of providing religious goods and services?
- Or, is Oxford Presbyterian Church in the business of calling people into discipleship and forming them in a life-changing faith that is part of God's mission to change the world?
In the coming weeks, a Mission Study team will begin focused work on putting together a profile of the mission opportunities and challenges that will direct the church and its pastoral leadership in the next few years. A lot of work has already been done that has included the congregation. Someone has suggested that the theme of this Mission Study might be "Listening to the Spirit". We've been doing that in a variety of ways:
- The church-wide bible study last fall on "The Church as Sign, Foretaste and Instrument"
- The Lenten Bible Study: "5 Practices of Fruitful Living" that numbered over 70 participants, which reflected a hunger for spiritual growth in small groups.
- The home gatherings to share about hopes and expectations in recent weeks.
- Heart Cards which we completed in worship & displayed in Molyneaux Lounge
In the weeks to come, progress will be taking place on a Mission Study that should be completed fairly soon. I am asking you to pray for this effort, that it might encourage you as a church and challenge you as a church. I believe the best days of this church are ahead!
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REFLECTIONS
Dan Anderson-Little
Full Article
In addition to being one of the early pastors of Oxford Presbyterian Church and starting countless churches all over the "West" (Ohio and Indiana primarily) from the 1830's to the 1870's, Henry Little was also the father of four Presbyterian pastors
All of Henry's sons mirrored their father's ministry: they moved around a lot, they were ardent warriors for social justice (particularly abolitionism), and they burned with an evangelical zeal. Henry's second son Henry Smith Little (my great-great-grandfather) followed his father as a superintendent of home missionaries, in his case in the state of Texas from 1879 to 1906.
A history of the Synod of Texas relates the following story about Henry Smith Little that I find instructive for the church today:
On one occasion a band of highwaymen halted the stagecoach in which the minister was traveling, ordering the occupants to get out, stand, and hand over their personal belongs. When one of the robbers demanded that Dr. Little yield up his most precious possession, he promptly proffered the outraged outlaw his next Sunday's sermon.
This story has many of the same qualities of the stories of the original Henry: danger, ingenuity, humor and a passion to share the good news of Jesus Christ. What I also find compelling about this story is that it causes us to ask ourselves: what is it that we, as the church, have that is precious beyond compare? What we would offer up if asked to produce the thing or things that make our churches so valuable? I suspect many of us would first think of our buildings: certainly they are important, at times even central to our ministries. Additionally, they can be one of the biggest portions of our annual budget. But while buildings are important, we know that, in the end, they do not define us as the body of Christ. We might offer up our pipe organ if it were an especially rare one. We might consider less material things like our worship style or our Sunday School-all things that can be sources of meaning, identity and pride for a congregation. We might, in a rare instance, offer our pastor-although Presbyterians work hard not to elevate the pastor too highly lest we think that he or she is more important to the ministry than the members.
Consider again what Henry Smith Little "proffered" to the highwaymen: the manuscript of his sermon, that is, the word of God. What would happen to our churches if we adopted this same attitude: that our most precious possession as Christians was God's word? What if every time we had a question about where we are or where God is leading us, we read scripture, wrestled with scripture, engaged with scripture, and played with scripture? As Presbyterians, we do not believe that the Bible is God's Little Answer Book, but rather it is the unique and authoritative witness to God's love and purpose for us in Jesus Christ. I am convinced that the church of the 21st Century will thrive as it finds its greatest treasure, not in a place or in a history or in a way of doing things (as important as those things are), but in God's word, a word that we find more precious than
gold, even much fine gold;
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CHRISTIAN EDUCATION
Full Article
Thanks to VBS Workers
Fall Schedule
Classrooms, Teachers and Curriculum
Recruitment for Teachers
Workshop for Teachers
Save the Date for 3rd and 4th Graders -- Receiving Bibles
Coming Up- Confirmation Classes to Begin
The Outback Rocked, thanks to all who contributed rocks, cans, washcloths, soap, food, money, and time to VBS for 2015. At last count 74 children participated in this year's Vacation Bible School that was held at Oxford United Methodist Church July 10, 11, and 12. Katie Saylor and Prue Dana were the two representatives from OPC to coordinate this experience with Oxford United Methodist Church and also Faith Lutheran Church. Prue Dana led and directed the craft experience where common articles such as rocks were repurposed to make creations. Each church hosted and coordinated one meal. On Friday night directed and coordinated by Mary Shinn over 90 participants were fed a dinner. Thanks to all of you who contributed watermelon, macaroni cheese, juice and cash donations that made this possible. There were also teachers from our congregation as well as some volunteers from Columbia.
Please thank the following people from our congregation that helped with this event:
Sara Smith, Katie Saylor, Prue Dana, Mary Shinn, Zeke Groom, Pastor Cheryl Edmonds, Elaine Patterson, Katie Curry, Joy Chen, Andrea Johnson, Leanne Staley, Mary Jane Roberts, Emily Lykins, Breanne Parks, Carol Burkhalter, Deanne Maxwell, Joni Marcum and Lynn Cronk.
Church School Classes for the Fall will begin August 23rd
Please refer to the attached schedule.
Please note this year the K/1 class will also include the 2nd grade
Sunday School Schedule
August 23, 2015 - May 29, 2016
Nursery /Preschool
Open each Sunday that service is held in the Memorial building
Kindergarten/1st and 2nd Grade:
No Sunday school on the following dates:
(K-3 may attend preschool class)
12/27/2015 Christmas Break
2/14/ 2016 President's Week-end
3/27/2016 Easter
5/29/2016 Memorial Day Weekend
Materials will also be available for children in the sanctuary if they choose to stay in the service.
Elementary (3rd - 5TH)
Middle School (6th - 8th)
High school (9th thru 12th)
No Sunday School on the following Sundays:
10/4/15 World Communion Sunday
11/29/15 Thanksgiving Break
12/27/15 Christmas Break
2/14/16 President's Day Week-end
3/27/16 Easter Sunday
5/29/16 Memorial Day Weekend
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Classrooms, teachers and curriculum for Fall. The following volunteers will teach our children beginning August 23rd.
Preschool: Nursery School Room
Spark Curriculum Janet Holmes
Grades K-2 K Room-2nd Floor
We Believe Sarah Miller and Deb Sayers
Grades 3-5 Art Room-2nd Floor
Spark Curriculum Emily Lykins
Middle School Geneva Room
We Believe Prue Dana and Katie Saylor
High School AV Room Second Floor
Growing in Grace and Gratitude
Opportunities to Grow in Grace and Gratitude. This is the name of a new curriculum from PCUSA. We will be using this for the older grades this fall. Teachers have been recruited to
begin the school year but more teachers are needed. Some of our teachers are committed to teach for the entire year, others will teach for one or two months at a time.
MORE TEACHERS AND ASSISTANTS ARE NEEDED.
Call Lynn Cronk if you would like to help as a teacher or an assistant for this school year 2015-2016.
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You are invited to attend a Teacher Orientation Brunch
in the Art Room Saturday August 29 th from 10 till noon, "Growing in Grace and Gratitude." There will be an awesome  brunch with time for fellowship followed by an introduction to curriculum for the fall as well as explanation of the new "Safe Policy." If you have never taught before or if you have taught for 40 years you are all invited to attend.
Once again there will be door prizes. ________________________
 Third and Fourth Graders to Receive Bibles September 27th at the Bible Breakfast. If you have a child in the third or fourth grade circle this date and plan to arrive with your family an hour before church for this important event. More information will be coming in the next newsletter and in the Bulletin.
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CONFIRMATION will be happening during the 2015-2016 school year. Watch for more details to follow. At Oxford Presbyterian Confirmation classes occur every other year and are for those in grades eight and nine. If your child is older, he/she may also attend.
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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.
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