TABLE OF CONTENTS (scroll to see it all) (click on to JUMP TO) From Our I-Pastor Safe Haven events |
Becky Quay will once again be showing church services on DVD. Join her at The Knolls on Tuesdays, Oct. 13 & 27, in the Assisted Living dining room at 10 A.M. All are welcome!
|
|
__________
Deadline for the November 2015
newsletter is
October 20
___________
|
 | |
to set up an account
|
Already have an account?
|
|
|
From Our Interim Pastor
How does the Church Listen to the Spirit?
Pastor Hart Edmonds
"Experiencing change, receiving new insight and understanding, and embracing a new call and direction are all normal and expected parts of the life of faith."
"Who is God for us in the midst of change? Does God cause change, protect us from change, or empower us to respond to change?"
Oxford Presbyterian Church is not alone in facing a time of transition! Let that truth sink in for a few moments.
This is a time of transition and change for the whole church across the world. But when you consider the full sweep of 2,000 years of the church's history, when hasn't that been the case? Why would we consider the church immune to the challenge and opportunity of change?
As Pope Francis makes his way to the United States to address the Catholic Church, he's also in some ways addressing the challenge of a changing world. Pope Francis has a way with words, and I especially enjoy his pastoral comment:
"If the Church is Alive, She Must Always Surprise!" I take that remark in another sense as well. If God is Alive, you can count on God continuing to surprise us all. God continues to surprise the Church of Jesus Christ with a call to fresh expressions of our faith.
_________________________________________________________
|
|
WORSHIP SCHEDULE
October 4
World Communion Sunday
Sermon: The Other Side of the Tracks Text: Acts 15: 8-9
October 11
Guest Missionary Speakers
Al and Ellen Smith, Missionaries to Russia and Belarus
October 18
Presbyterian Hymnal Dedication
Sermon: Rising Up with theSpirit Text: Isaiah 40: 28-31; John 3:8
Sharing: Things I Love About My Church
October 25
Reformation Sunday
Text: John 21: 1-14
Sermon: A Fishing Lesson
Sharing: People Who Have Made a Difference in My Faith
November 1
All Saints Day and Communion Sunday Sermon: What are we producing?
Texts: Mark 4: 1-20
November 8
Stewardship Dedication Sunday
|
|
______________________________________________
UPDATE FROM THE INTERIM TRANSTION TEAM
PLANNING FOR A "YEAR YOU WON'T WANT TO MISS"
If the Leadership Planning Retreat was any indicator, we have a great year ahead! Forty members of Session, Deacons, OPW, Trustees, and Committee leaders gathered at the Knolls Commons Auditorium on Saturday, September 12, to talk, listen, pray, discern and be cheered on by our facilitator, Reverend Dale Ziemer, Managing Director of the Center for Parish Development. We took a look at the "Big Picture" of religion and faith in a changing world. We pondered how God is calling and sending his people. We shifted to the "Local Picture" sharing our hopes for our church and beginning to claim shorter-term priorities for the year ahead. In the final part of the retreat we reacted to four key priorities identified by Session as having energy and urgency for Oxford Presbyterian Church: 1. God's calling for our Future; 2. Tangible Resources; 3. Who are Our Neighbors; 4. Walking the Talk. Participants, working in table groups, sought to find compelling reasons to address one or more of these priorities, where our energy focus should this year, and what do we want to learn. Consistent themes and passions were tallied and will be used by the Interim Transition Team and Session to more clearly lay out suggestions as ACTION items for this year! We are excited and we're on the move!!
Pat Gifford for the Interim Transition Team
| Return to Top
__________________________________________________________ |
CHRISTIAN EDUCATION
October 4th is World Communion Sunday. Children and youth in Grades 3 and above will remain in the Sanctuary. The nursery will be staffed as well as the preschool class and the K-2 class.
________________
CONFIRMATION for all young people grade 8 & 9 and including those up to 12 who wish to participate in the preparation for claiming faith as their own begins this month. So far, eleven young people will be engaged in this process. It is not too late to let Pastor Cheryl know of a young person who will be participating. You can call or text her at 402-917-4329 or email at interimpastorcheryl@gmail.com
October schedule is as follows:
Oct 4 worship participation expected. (arrive at 9:30 to participate in the processional for World Communion Sunday)
Meetings following worship on October 4, 18, upstairs in the Christian Education wing.
___________________
ADULT SPIRITUALITY - "BLESSED TO BE A BLESSING" will meet on the following Monday evenings from 6:30 - 8:00 PM, at the church
- October 12
- October 19
- October 26
- November 2
There is the possibility of a second group at the Knolls, meeting on Thursday afternoon at 1:30, if at least 3-4 more people sign up. If you have not signed up and are interested in this study please let Pastor Cheryl know by September 28th so enough materials are available. You can call or text her at 402-917-4329 or email at interimpastorcheryl@gmail.com
__________________
________________________________________________________ |
CARES, CONCERNS, JOYS AND THANK YOUs
IN OUR PRAYERS:
Keep these friends in your prayers
Jan Reinhart, Marilyn Young, Genee Hesse, Robbie Wells, John Reller, Stacey Winn, Betty Barnhart, Evelyn Black, Cathy Fey, Marilyn Rettig, Sarah Soik
Lord in Your Mercy, Hear Our Prayers
_______________
JOYS
We are delighted to welcome new choir member, Miami student Christopher Buchheit.
________________
JOYS
We share with Cal and Carol Klumb the joy of his 50th anniversary of ordination.
_________________
JOYS
Do you know what has happened with the OPC Russia Partnership in the last year? Thanks to the generosity of the members of our church we have been able to:
Send a generator to our sister church in Zlatoust, now they will be able to heat the church during their long winters.
 Send a trampoline to be used first at a summer youth camp and then for the local children in the Chelyabinsk Oblast.
Donate approximately 125 pairs of shoes for the orphans and  underprivileged children in Zlatoust, Russia
Thank you so much for helping to make a difference in the lives of our international neighbors in Russia. This is what having a sister church partnership is all about.
________________
______________________
| |
________________________________________________________ |
DEACONS
SAVE LIVES! GIVE BLOOD!
The Deacon's Blood Drive is coming up soon! It will be held on Wednesday, October 28, 2:00 pm to 6:00 pm in the Seminary Building. We are hoping for a great turnout, so please come and donate if you are able. We are especially looking for new donors and former donors who have not donated for a long time.
We encourage you to sign up online. The website is:
www.donortime.com. Our church code number is: 321. This number will take you directly to our blood drive.
If you do not care to use the computer, you can also sign up by calling: 800-388-4483between 8 am to 8 pm Monday through Friday.
If you cannot donate blood, be a recruiter--ask your friends! We hope to see you there!
_______________
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.
|
________________________________________________________ |
OXFORD PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH WOMEN
THE TUESDAY AFTERNOON CIRCLE
Will meet on October 20, with Lynn Cronk leading the lesson, Pat Gifford presenting the Mission Yearbook and Becky Quay in charge of Least Coin.
Reservations for the optional lunch are due on the 16th to Lawretta Clum. Lunch begins at noon in the Caf� at the Knolls. Circle meets at 1:30 in the Country Kitchen. Visitors and guests are always welcome.
THE TUESDAY EVENING CIRCLE
Will meet in the home of Jo Reinhart on October 6. Co-hostess is Jean O'Connell, Billie Maynard will lead devotions and Ginny Layton will lead the program.
________  _______________ FALL RUMMAGE SALE
Once again the RATS (Rummage Action Team Specialists) have been busy behind the scenes (but not behind the walls) making plans for the 2015 Fall Rummage Sale, October 15, 16, 17
Rather than asking any one person to chair and run the rummage sale we have again formed a team of volunteers that are each serving a leadership role to make this years Rummage Sale a success. The RATS want to remind folks that it is time for a fall cleaning and to get ready for winter. What do we need? Clothing for Men, Women and Children, Household Items, Antiques, Collectibles, Jewelry, Gifts, Toys and more.
The Seminary is now open for donations each Wednesday from 9:00 am to 11:30 am. until October 7. You can also drop off items outside the church office during the week until October 9 or call 523-8848 for a pick up.
The date for setting up the Seminary for rummage sale is Saturday, October 10, at 9 am. Set up will involve setting up the tables and moving the boxes filled with items on top or underneath those tables. It should only take about an hour, but we do need strong men to help with this. Please let Sue Wilson know, 523-8848 if you can help.
Why should you support the Rummage Sale? In addition to clothing for most everyone we also have kitchenware, an assortment of jewelry and wonderful knickknacks, antiques, and one of a kind items. We have wonderful bargains and it will please you to know that when you buy something you are giving the Oxford Presbyterian Women money that goes back to the community to help those in need. The RUMMAGE SALE helps the environment by recycling gently used items, and provides an opportunity for all to find fantastic bargains and it helps those in our community that cannot afford to buy new. Please donate gently used items. Sign up to help or just show up Wednesday mornings to help for an hour or two or stop by for a visit and of course come and shop at our Rummage Sale. Please stop by to shop and to say hello at the Seminary.
The RUMMAGE SALE will be held on Thursday, Oct 15 from 6:00 PM-8:00 PM and Friday Oct 16, from 10 AM-3 PM. But what about Saturday, October 17?....
AND NOW FOR SOMETHING COMPLETELY DIFFERENT
On Saturday Oct 17 we are trying a different approach since sales are normally very slow on Saturday until the bag sale. In an attempt to earn more money and also encourage people to take away more of the clothing and other items we have decided to turn Saturday into a bag sale only day. This means that items not sold by Friday and not kept for future sales will be made available not by price but by the bag. The plan is to charge $3 for regular bag and $5 for a shopping bag. The Bag sale will be held from 10 am to noon on Saturday, October 17. We hope to see you there.
At noon on Saturday October 17, we will again need to help to box up the remaining items and clear things out in preparation for renovation of the Seminary building later this fall.
____________________
2015 THANK OFFERING
The Thank Offering has been a tradition in Presbyterian Women and its predecessor organizations since 1888 when Eliza Clokey of Springfield, Ohio, urged each woman to give one dollar over and above her usual contribution to the Women's General Missionary Society of the United Presbyterian Church of North America as a "thank offering to her Lord."
Since 1988, when United Presbyterian Women and Women of the Church joined to become Presbyterian Women, the Thank Offering has given nearly $25,000,000 to more than 2,000 programs and ministries that assist those struggling with illness, marginalization and lack of access to education, services and resources. The Thank Offering provides clean water, alleviates homelessness, provides educational opportunities, promotes health and improves the lives of women and children throughout the world in so many other ways.
In March 2015, Creative Ministries Offering Committee of Presbyterian Women approved grants for 32 additional creative ministries. A total of $710,000 from the Thank Offering will be given to these recipients.
We will dedicate our church's offering at the Fall Gathering, Sunday, October 25, 2:30 p.m., Molyneaux Lounge. Please join us as we hear about Holly Gage's Experience Aboard Mercy Ships.
 Please be on the look out for our blue Thank Offering envelopes. I ordered a large supply for this year. ______________________
| |
_________________________________________________________
|
SESSION
The session did not meet for a regularly scheduled meeting in September, instead, attended the all day retreat on September 16, 2015. The next meeting of session will be October 20, 2015
| Return to Top
_________________________________________________________ |
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!
HELP! There is no guest columnist for October. Won't YOU be the guest columnist for November!!!!
| |
__________________________________________________________
|
OCT 4TH -CHILDREN AND YOUTH PARTICIPATION IN WORSHIP FOR WORLD COMMUNION SUNDAY
Children and Youth will be participating in a processional at the beginning of the service on World Communion/Peace and Global Witness Sunday. Everyone needs to gather by 9:30 so we can do a run through with the choir.
Becky Quay will once again be showing church services on DVD at The Knolls on Tuesdays, Oct. 13 & 27, in the Assisted Living dining room at 10 A.M.
____________________
The Peacemaking offering and recognition will be on Sunday, October 11 to coincide with the visit of Alan and Ellen Smith.
CREATE A WORLD OF PEACE
is the theme of the World Communion Sunday Peacemaking Offering.
As we embark on another year of Peacemaking we reflect on how this offering supports some of the fundamental values of our faith. For generations, and to the end of the earth, Presbyterians have born witness to Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace. Our witness has been profound in our own communities and in places we ourselves have never been, around the corner and around the world.
This offering was established in 1980. 25% stays with the local congregations, 75% is remitted to the Presbyterian Mission Agency to support ministries of peace and reconciliation.
What has our local offering supported over the last 35 years? "Peacemaking a Believers Calling," Oxford Community Meals, the Russian Partnership, Bread for the World membership and offering of letters and resources, membership in the Presbyterian Peace Fellowship and the Fellowship of Reconciliation, Empty Bowls, the Colombia partnership. Gifts for Oxford children, Sojourner's subscription, the creation of the in school mediation program.
Nationally the emphasis will be on Domestic Violence, Gun Violence, Human Trafficking and Structural Racism.
This year we can give 3 ways: through our World Communion Sunday, Offering- Envelopes will be in the pews, through Texting PEACE to 20222 to give $10, and finally through Presbyterian mission.org/give/peace-global.
Our thanks and appreciation for all of the past years of financial support. The Peacemaking Committee: Louise Griffing, Bill Fisher, Mary Jo McFadden, Connie Everhart and Prue Dana.
__________________
A FELLOWSHIP EVENT YOU DON'T WANT TO MISS!
Fall Harvest Celebration
 Saturday, October 17
4pm-8pm
All ages are invited to the home of NIck & Gwen Fears
Address: 4493 Huston Rd.
(about 5 miles East from Oxford on Hwy 73)
All kinds of wonderful food cooked over a campfire plus
- s'mores and
- Dutch Oven Cobblers
- Pumpkin Carving
- (BYOP- bring your own pumpkin!)
Fun for all ages!
- Story telling,
- a little music,
- games...
FURTHER DETAILS TO FOLLOW
Invite a friend!
Invite several friends!
____________________________
UNITED WAY OF OXFORD LISTENING SESSIONS
Dear Community Member,
The United Way of Oxford, the Oxford Community Foundation and the Coalition for a Health Community-Oxford Area will be hosting Community Listening Sessions throughout this fall to help ascertain the needs of the communities that make up the Talawanda School District. Sessions will be help in Oxford and its surrounding townships on varying dates in an effort to reach community members where they are so that we are able to hear their needs first hand and make an effort to address those needs through advocacy, technical assistance, funding or other necessary means. Topics will include:
- Health
(including mental health, obesity prevention, drug and alcohol prevention and education, access to medical care, aging in place, long-term care, assisted living)
- Education
- Income
(including job preparedness, emergency financial assistance, homeless prevention, housing)
- Arts
- Environment/Sustainability
- Transportation and Community Connectedness
- "Other"
(will be addressed in Wrap Up and if items come up in conversation under other topics)
All Community Listening Sessions are FREE of charge and a light supper will be provided to those in attendance. All we ask is for those who plan to attend to RSVP to 513-523-0991 or by emailing director@uwoxford.org no later than two days prior to the Listening Session they plan to attend. Childcare is not provided, but children are welcome. The following dates and times have been scheduled:
September 22-HANOVER TWP (@ Butler Rural-6 pm)
October 15-REILY TWP (@ Reily Community Center-6 pm)
October 16-CITY OF OXFORD I (@ Oxford Senior Center-1 pm)
November 12-MILFORD TWP (@ Collinsville Community Center-6 pm)
November 18-CITY OF OXFORD II (@ LCNB Community Room-6 pm)
If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact the United Way of Oxford office (contact info below). We look forward to hearing what you and your constituents/members have to say
Thank you,
Brian Revalee, MSW, MPSA
Executive Director
United Way of Oxford, OH & Vicinity
30 Park Place West, Oxford, Oh
Office: (513) 523-0991 Fax: (513) 523-2308
Cell: (812) 455-0361
_________________________
The Russians are coming, the Russians are coming... well, at least they speak Russian
First it was the towering Josh Heikkila from Ghana. Now it's Al and Ellen Smith from Russia and Belarus, by way of Berlin. Coming Sunday,
October 11, Al and Ellen will be in our sanctuary to give the message during service and hold a meeting time afterwards to illumine our understanding of the struggles and joys had by our Protestant brothers and sisters in Eastern Europe.
Ellen is the Regional Facilitator for PCUSA in Eastern Europe, meaning she supports partner programs as well as mission personnel in communication, mentoring, information sharing and missiological reflection (you may need to come to the service to find out just what that is). Al is the outreach facilitator for minority peoples (and there are a lot) in Russia. This includes Roma people as well as refugees from Asia and Africa whose legal rights are easily dismissed.
______________________
Mabel Kramer Christmas Stockings.
No Two Alike!
If you want to purchase a Christmas stocking made especially for you, contact Pris Berry at 513-524-7098, no later than mid-November. Cost is $50.00. THIS IS THE LAST YEAR FOR THIS OFFER
_____________________
GETTING TO KNOW YOU BULLETIN BOARD
The theme this month for your posting is favorite books and authors. Read a good book lately? Have a favorite author you can't wait for his or her next book? Share with your friends by posting a note on the bulletin board. What a great way to add to your reading list and what a great way to start a conversation with your neighbors. Don't forget!
Answer to the question of the month: Locust
____________________________________
THE COMMUNITY ADULT DAY SERVICE
Is having its 3rd annual "NO BAKE -BAKE SALE from October 1 through November 20, 2015. Save the Calories but spend the Dough. We are asking for you to donate the money you would use to bake or purchase an item at our "bake sale". Our virtual menu is as follows:
Silver Sneakers Snick doodles $10
Wake me up coffee cake $8
Nada Etta Jean Pie $20
Little Debbie's ADS cakes $15
Barely There Brownie $7
What a "SWEET" way to celebrate serving the Oxford community for the past 19 years. Any donations graciously accepted at Oxford Seniors and The Community Adult Day Service.
For every $5 donated you are entered into our drawing for a Gourmet Etta Jean Crawford - award winning Pie of your choice. If you have any questions please feel free to contact Debbie Curry, LPN - Director at 513-523-0464
We have a hand made baby quilt donated by Leslie Simak and we will be raffling it off. Tickets are $1 each or 6 for $5. The quilt will be on display at the senior center where you can purchase tickets as well.
We have a few spots open for enrollment in the Adult Day Service program. If you are interested in information or would like a group talk to learn more about what we do please call Debbie Curry at 513-523-0464
_____________________________________________
Oxford Presbyterian Church Staff
Telephone: 513-523-6364
Fax: 513-523-8215
Seminary Building: 513-523-7411
Interim Pastor: Pastor Hart Edmonds
Interim Associate Pastor: Pastor Cheryl Edmonds
Music Director: Kent Peterson
Organist: Lynn Jacobs
Pastor Emeritus: Dr. Joseph R. Hookey
Parish Associates: Dr. Bruce Bueschel, Rev. Diane Ziegler
Administrative Assistant:
Financial Secretary:
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
Class of 2015:
Carol Burkhalter, Diane Young, Brent Bader, Jenny Bailer, Mary Jo McFadden
Class of 2016:
Pam Deahl, Lynn Cronk, Pat Gifford, Tom Poetter, Rich Drewes
Deacons
Class of 2015:
Marilyn Curry, Sue Wilson, Paula Foltz, Ruth Miller, Martin Miller
Class of 2016:
Janet Holmes, Deanna Maxwell, Lawretta Clum, Cornelia Browne, Molly Todd
Class of 2017
Danny Cross, Connie Everhart, Matt Lykins, Jean O'Connell, Breanne Parks
Trustees
Class of 2015: Tom Holmes, Nick Fears
Class of 2016:Chris Adryan, Joe Simpson
Class of 2017: Lisa Brunckhorst, Bill King
_____________________________
Deadline for the November 2015 Newsletter is October 20, 2015
________________________
| |
_________________________________________________________ |
OCTOBER BIRTHDAYS
1 Jerry Collins
2 Emily Jordan
5 Christopher Jackson
9 Jenny Bent
9 Steve Friede
9 Haley Jena
10 Mark Hesford
13 Molly Todd
14 Jean Derickson
14 Larry Niehoff
15 Noah Curry
17 Bob Douglas
17 Abigail Curry
19 Brady Saylor
21 Stephanie Hartman
21 Maya Degennnaro
23 Charles Watson
23 Pat Hawley
24 Judy Rymer
25 Sandy Drewes
25 Keith McGoldrick
26 Verda Johnon
26 Bonnie Stephenson
28 Derek Jordan
30 Gary Gayhart
31 Bruce Bueschel
31 Jacob Marado
OCToBER Oddities for our Celebrants
Daylight Savings Time ends on the first Sunday of November at 03:00 AM by setting clocks back to 02:00 AM.
October is national
Adopt A Shelter Dog Month,
American Pharmacist Month,
Apple Month,
Breast Cancer Awareness Month,
Caramel Month,
Clergy Appreciation Month,
Pasta Month,
Pickled Peppers Month (Peter Piper was responsible for this, probably),
Pizza Month
Popcorn Popping Month,
Pretzel Month
National Month of Sarcasm (yeah, right)
International Walk to School Day . (my dad always told me he usually rode his bike to school, but he did walk when he had his broken leg--ed)
October 1, 1957 - First appearance of "In God We Trust" on U.S. paper currency, on one dollar bills
October 3 1955 - The Mickey Mouse Club premiered on ABC. (go ahead, sing the song....who's the leader of the club that's made for you and me.....)
Oct 6, 1876 - The American Library Association was founded.
Oct 25, 1983 - Microsoft released Word, version 1
Do zombies eat popcorn with their fingers?
Answer: No, they eat the fingers separately.
It takes an average of 252 licks to get to the center of a Tootsie Pop.
Question of the month
What kind of tree and grasshopper have the same name? (look for the answer somewhere in the newsletter)
The important thing is to sit down at the table and talk. Some things are just easier to say over the remains of a shared meal.
Never hurry and never worry-E.B. White
Nearly Impossible to do
Write "6" While Moving your Foot Clockwise-go ahead try it!
| |
__________________________________________________________
|
|
Full Article
How does the Church Listen to the Spirit?
Pastor Hart Edmonds
"Experiencing change, receiving new insight and understanding, and embracing a new call and direction are all normal and expected parts of the life of faith."
"Who is God for us in the midst of change? Does God cause change, protect us from change, or empower us to respond to change?"
Oxford Presbyterian Church is not alone in facing a time of transition! Let that truth sink in for a few moments.
This is a time of transition and change for the whole church across the world. But when you consider the full sweep of 2,000 years of the church's history, when hasn't that been the case? Why would we consider the church immune to the challenge and opportunity of change?
As Pope Francis makes his way to the United States to address the Catholic Church, he's also in some ways addressing the challenge of a changing world. Pope Francis has a way with words, and I especially enjoy his pastoral comment:
"If the Church is Alive, She Must Always Surprise!" I take that remark in another sense as well. If God is Alive, you can count on God continuing to surprise us all. God continues to surprise the Church of Jesus Christ with a call to fresh expressions of our faith.
At the recent Leadership Retreat held at The Knolls, over 40 leaders and members of this church participated in a day long experience to reflect on the year ahead for Oxford Presbyterian Church. The summary of our retreat purpose was as follows:
While we are doing the important work of discerning pastoral leadership for the next chapter of this church's ministry, we cannot afford to "wait until the next pastor gets here." The year ahead carries an opportunity to renew our focus and life together, our relationships and shared mission for the next chapter of our congregation's ministry.
At the Leadership Retreat, Rev. Dale Ziemer reminded us of a key discernment question for the Oxford Presbyterian Church: "What if everything we do as a Christian congregation relates in some way to God's calling and sending of the church to participate in God's mission?" We explored that question in some depth, especially as it relates to 4 key priorities that Session determined in a process of "Listening to the Spirit" over the last several months. Those 4 priorities are:
1. God's Calling for Our Future- Priority #1
At the retreat we heard a challenge. We heard that "not all in this congregation are certain that we have a clear, shared vision of God's call for us and our goals for ministry. We also heard that "We want to learn how to discern God's calling." We also affirmed that we want to be open to new ideas, and to grow in our willingness to listen to others. One outcome of the day was to affirm the church's mission statement: Seeking God...Serving Others... Sharing Christ's Love with All!
2. Tangible Resources: Priority #2
At the Leadership Retreat, we reaffirmed the belief that the decision to make improvements to the Seminary Building was a good choice for the future of mission and fellowship and service. There was also a sense of commitment to continue exploring missional uses for our facilities.
3. Who are our Neighbors? Priority #3
A third priority discerned by Session in the "Listening to the Spirit" process of recent months was extended by a mission study group led by Tom Poetter to reexamine the church's sense of mission to students, faculty and staff of Miami University. If you think about Oxford, what makes this town unique? The presence of over 18,000 students is one obvious reality. Those of us who attended the Big Tent ministry conference at the end of July at the University of Tennesee heard one presenter tell us: "If your church is in close proximity to a college or university and you are not embracing a call to reach out to students on that campus, you are missing your missional calling." There is a growing sense of that challenge and opportunity here at OPC, but the passion and commitment to that sense of mission remains to be defined. We also know that in a town like Oxford, much like other places, it is very likely that over 70% of residents are not part of a church. The fields are ripe unto harvest is how Jesus describes that challenge. The church's challenge is to develop a balance between an inwardly strong experience of church life along with a dynamic call to connect outwardly in witness to the larger community of Oxford, including Miami University. Will the church embrace that calling?
4. Walking the Talk/Spirituality and Discipleship: Priority #4
The question we engaged on this topic was, "What are the compelling reasons to address this priority?" Some of the responses were as follows. Personal connection to one another can lead us outward in service of God's mission to the world around us. People at OPC seen to be growing in their hunger for a deeper faith, as seen in the Lenten Study which involved over 70 participants. We meet God in each other, as we study and pray and fellowship and serve together. God's mission often is best expressed in small groups, what some call small Christian communities as part of a larger whole. We want to grow our faith as God's people in this church so that we can be God's servants in the world.
At the recent Leadership Retreat, several people said they weren't sure why they had been invited to participate, implying they didn't see themselves as leaders. My response was this: "Everybody leads, because everybody can serve in the church of Jesus Christ!" Leadership is not about position or title. It is about seeking to influence others for the sake of God's Kingdom!
I invite you to pray for the further development of the above 4 priorities in the life of this church in the year ahead: A Year You Don't Want to Miss!
Pastor Hart
___________________________________
| |
______________________________________________________
|
|
Full Article
October 4th is World Communion Sunday. Children and youth in Grades 3 and above will remain in the Sanctuary. The nursery will be staffed as well as the preschool class and the K-2 class.
________________
CONFIRMATION for all young people grade 8 & 9 and including those up to 12 who wish to participate in the preparation for claiming faith as their own begins this month. So far, eleven young people will be engaged in this process. It is not too late to let Pastor Cheryl know of a young person who will be participating. You can call or text her at 402-917-4329 or email at interimpastorcheryl@gmail.com
October schedule is as follows:
Oct 4 worship participation expected. (arrive at 9:30 to participate in the processional for World Communion Sunday)
Meetings following worship on October 4, 18, upstairs in the Christian Education wing.
___________________
ADULT SPIRITUALITY - "BLESSED TO BE A BLESSING" will meet on the following Monday evenings from 6:30 - 8:00 PM, at the church
- October 12
- October 19
- October 26
- November 2
There is the possibility of a second group at the Knolls, meeting on Thursday afternoon at 1:30, if at least 3-4 more people sign up. If you have not signed up and are interested in this study please let Pastor Cheryl know by September 28th so enough materials are available. You can call or text her at 402-917-4329 or email at interimpastorcheryl@gmail.com
__________________
COLLEGE INTERNS TO WORK WITH SUNDAY SCHOOL, YOUTH GROUPS, AND CONFIRMATION
Robert Ben Mitch
Garrett Baughman Hardy
This year we are blessed with the gifts of three college interns who will be working with Pastor Cheryl Edmonds and Youth Director Jenn Burns. They will be assisting with the leadership of 8th-12th grade Sunday school, Youth Groups, and Confirmation. All of them were active in the youth programs of their various churches and each bring a rich variety of experiences and gifts, as well as an interest in helping others grow in faith and love. You may have already greeted them in worship.
Ben Baughman is a member of Ascension Church in Louisville, KY. Robert Garrett is a member of Pioneer Memorial Presbyterian Church in Solon, OH.
Mitch Hardy is a member of Madeira-Silverwood Presbyterian Church in Cincinnati.
We are excited to have them on board with us and are very much looking forward to what they will bring to us.
Robert, Mitch, and Ben are also interested in getting a peer ministry going on campus. We need to do our best to support them in this effort with our continued hospitality to college students and with our prayers.
_______________
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.
_____________________________
TAIZE EXPERIENCE
Coming Wednesday, November 11, please join us for an immersion in the experience of worship in the style of Taiz� (pronouced ti/zay'), led by Rev. Masud Ibn Syedullah, a priest of the Episcopal Diocese of New York.
Masud brings the experience of more than 15 trips to the community of Taiz�, France leading groups of students from the United States as well as participating with the brothers of Taize in leading events in the United States. He loves to "plant" the style of meditative prayer song in worshiping communities that want to begin this style of worship.
Here is what he has proposed for us: To introduce and familiarize this congregation (its pastors, musicians, and all other participants) to the spirituality of the ecumenical Community of Taize through its approach to scripture study, reflection, and discussion; and a contemporary style of contemplative prayer using the meditative songs of Taize and other similar meditative songs within the context of an Evening Prayer/Vesper Service.
Those who wish to join in the full learning experience will gather for a simple shared meal followed by a brief history of Taize and an introduction to the method of reflection on a passage of scripture. Masud will then introduce the music that will be used for the service and we will enter the sanctuary for a service of evening prayer. Local instrumentalists are being recruited to assist with the service.
You are encouraged to participate in the full introduction to Taize but are also welcome to join us for just the evening prayer service portion.
| | Return to Top
_______________________________________________________
|
|
