TABLE OF CONTENTS (scroll to see it all) (click on to JUMP TO) From Our I-Pastor |
On Jan. 12 & 26, I will be going to The Knolls to show the church services on DVD in the Assisted Living dining room at 10:00 A.M.
Becky Quay
All are welcome!
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Deadline for the February 2016
newsletter is
January 20
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From Our Interim Pastor
The Spirit of Epiphany
Pastor Hart Edmonds
Christmas is just the beginning of how we come to appreciate the significance of Christ's birth! In some church traditions, the following
Season of Epiphany receives just as much attention as Christmas. In Matthew's story about the Magi on their way to Bethlehem bearing their gifts, King Herod's evil intentions alert us to the presence of danger that awaits the Christ child's birth. This story of the wise ones who seek the child by star-light tells us that Jesus' birth is so important to creation that even the night sky- and seekers far away- are transformed and inspired by his coming.
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ORDINATION/INSTALLATION OF CHURCH OFFICERS SET FOR JANUARY 24 Pastor Hart Edmonds In the coming year, we welcome new officers in the life of Oxford Presbyterian Church. In preparation for their ordination/installation on January 24, Pastor Hart Edmonds will lead an orientation session on Sunday, January 10 following worship on the Constitutional Questions asked of all ordained church officers. Pastors, Elders and Deacons are all asked the same questions prior to ordination/installation in the Presbyterian Church. Why do we do this? As Presbyterians, we believe that church officers must have a clear understanding of the purpose of the church, be sympathetic to its doctrine and government, and be prepared to accept the work that is before them. The ordination/installation questions are one way we have as a church of making sure that our officers will exercise authority within defined boundaries, which are the same for all officers. Here are just a couple of the questions ordained officers are presented. - Do you trust in Jesus Christ your Savior, acknowledge him Lord of all and head of the Church, and through him believe in one God, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit? It is striking that this is the first and basic question asked of all officers. Without an affirmative response, leadership in the church of Christ is impossible. Notice that the word "trust" defines our relationship to Christ.
- Do you accept the Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments to be, by the Holy Spirit, the unique and authoritative witness to Jesus Christ in the Church universal, and God's Word to you? This question is both second in order and second in importance. Scripture is subordinate to Jesus Christ, who is the living Word of God. Christ's radical love and acceptance of all people is the measure by which we read all other parts of Scripture.
There are 8 constitutional questions that will be asked of all officers as they are ordained in this church. I invite you to begin praying for all those who will be ordained and installed in January. | |
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WORSHIP SCHEDULE
January 3
Communion Sunday
Guest Preacher: Rev. Kathi Angi
January 10
Baptism of the Lord Sunday
Rev. Cheryl Edmonds
Renewal of Baptism Vows
January 17
Sermon:
" Why the faith of Martin Luther King, Jr. Still Matters "
Pastor Hart Edmonds
Guest Missionary Update: Ross Hunter during and after worship
January 24
Sermon:
"Empowered to Serve"
Pastor Hart Edmonds
Ordination/Installation of Church Officers
Congregational Meeting following Worship
January 31
Guest Preacher: Rev. Tyler Pettigrew,
Executive Director of Our Daily Bread in Cincinnati
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CHRISTIAN EDUCATION
Thanks to Debbie DeGennaro, Amy McGoldrick, Mary Shinn and Sandy Drewes for teaching in December.
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TEACHERS FOR JANUARY
Susan King- Nursery
Emily Lykins- Preschool
Deb Sayers and Sarah Miller- K-2
Debbie DeGennaro- Grades 3-5
Katie Saylor and Prue Dana- Middle School
Jenn Burns- High School
LESSONS FOR JANUARY FOR PRESCHOOL AND GRADES 3-5:
Jesus the Word (John 1:10-18)
We learn about God from Jesus
Jesus' Baptism (Luke 3:15-17)
God loves me,
Wedding at Cana (John 2:1-11)
Jesus turns sadness into joy
Jesus Goes to Nazareth (Luke 4:14-30)
Everyone is important to God
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CARES, CONCERNS, JOYS AND THANK YOUs
IN OUR PRAYERS:
Keep these friends in your prayers:
Marilyn Young, Genee Hesse, Robbie Wells, John Reller, Stacey Winn, Betty Barnhart, Cathy Fey, Marilyn Rettig, Sarah Soika
Lord in Your Mercy, Hear Our Prayers
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Remember in our prayers the family of Evelyn Black who passed away on Nov. 16, 2015.
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THANK YOU
 The evergreen Christmas wreaths on the front doors of the Memorial, and the greenery in the pots to each side surely helped us celebrate the season. But without the efforts of many giving people, the doors would have been barren. Barbara Skipper served as coordinator to make it all happen. Bill King installed permanent hangers on the doors, for this year and all the future wreaths. Kim Paterka made the wreaths through the Des Fleurs Garden Club wreath-making project. Did you notice that the pots and their bows coordinated with the wreaths? By careful design and planning, of course. Jeff Rush, of Rush Construction hung the big and heavy wreaths for us all to enjoy. Finally, the expense was covered by the House Committee budget. Thank you all. The doors and pots are glorious.
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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 Meets on January 19. Pat Gifford leads the lesson, Lynn Cronk leads the Mission Yearbook and Lawretta Clum leads the Least Coin. Join us for lunch-contact Lawretta. All are truly welcome. Come join in.
THE TUESDAY EVENING CIRCLE meets at the home of Jane Baer on January 5. Nancy Sturgeon is the co-hostess, Karen Simpson leads Devotions and Janet Ziegler leads the Program. Do join us, all are welcome.
2016 HONORED WOMEN AWARD
The Honored Women Award is given annually to those who have dedicated their time and talents to the work of their church. Please consider thoughtfully those women you know who give willingly and joyfully in their efforts for this church. Write a letter detailing their work and send it to: Jean Derickson 2650 Oxford Millville Road, Oxford, Ohio 45056.
Nominations must be received by March 1, 2016
Answer to the question of the month
Women invented them all
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SESSION
December meeting
*Reflected on the invitation to bring Jesus into the lives of the many who are in distress
*Set dates for the examination, ordination and installation of officers and the annual congregational meeting in January
*Passed the budget for 2016
*Considered having four Taize services next year
*Discussed joint worship services with other Oxford congregations
*Evaluation of youth program to be done by Pastor Cheryl
*Outgoing elders were thanked for their energy and participation during their terms on the session
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INTRODUCING
A NEW COLUMN
Many years ago my parents and grandparents lived in Reily Township and were members of the Reily Presbyterian Church. In 1938, a young man who was in his last year at McCormick Seminary in Chicago was sent to Reily to serve an internship. His name was Robert K. Foster. He fell in love with a beautiful young girl, Elizabeth Withrow, who sang in the church choir. In 1939, the church was completely redecorated in preparation for their wedding. It was my first wedding and I was excited. Also in 1939 my grandmother passed away and Rev. Foster officiated at her funeral. He served as a chaplain in the U.S. Air Force during World War II. After the war he served pastorates in Cincinnati, Kansas and Chicago. Herb and I became members of OPC December 24, 1966 and serving as pastor was Robert K. Foster and he did so for nineteen years. In 1989 he officiated at my father's funeral. At that time he was Director of the Miami University Sesquicentennial Chapel, a position he held until his eightieth birthday. In retirement, he served several area churches as guest pastor, among them Reily Presbyterian Church. Mickey Preston
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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 at moeckenj@miamioh.edu. Or call (523-6003) and we can chat.
Plan on being the guest columnist for February. Aren't these delightful?
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OUR MISSION STATEMENT AT WORK Seeking God, Serving Others, Sharing Christ's Love With All
A TRADITION CONTINUES!
On December 6th, a team of volunteers from our church went to Safe Haven Farm to decorate the Hatton Center for Christmas. The Community Room was transformed with beautifully adorned Christmas trees, wreaths, red bows and various sundries-all contributed by our church members. A good time was had by all and was topped off by a visit to the barn to see the Alpacas, horses, cats, and dogs. Safe Haven Farm opened in 2010 and offers a variety of meaningful living, working, learning, and leisure activities for adults on the autism spectrum.
(Have you seen or been involved in other moments of "our mission statement at work?" Be sure to submit that story to the newsletter. ----ed.)
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UPDATE ON SEMINARY WORK AND FACILITIES PLANNING
Taken from Rich Drewes' December 14, 2015 report to Session. --Joe Simpson Seminary Work is continuing on the stabilization of the Seminary Building. To date: Second Floor - * Roof trusses have been reinforced and missing rafters added
- * Second floor ceiling has been covered with drywall and painted
- * The steeple framing has been reinforced, a ladder added, and the bell has been made operational
First Floor - * Testing of various floor layers revealed asbestos in layers of floor tile and adhesive.
- * Bids were accepted for asbestos abatement, and the firm CIS was selected to do the work
- * The first floor was sealed and air filtration installed temporarily
- * Carpet and layers of flooring down to the original subfloor were removed and properly disposed of
- * The general contractor, SSRG, removed remaining flooring and framing beneath it
- * Floor was in terrible condition, with many holes cut through, joists rotten and sagging, some brick floor supports crumbling, sections extremely uneven, and kitchen floor much worse
- * Electrical wiring exposed was checked by Robin Smith Electric and found to be dead
- * A leaking water line under the kitchen is being repaired by Hilltop Plumbing
- * Gravel has been added to crawl space and will be compacted and made ready for the concrete slab
- * The concrete pour is scheduled for Tuesday Dec. 21st.
Windows - The two windows on the west side which were at the restoration company's shop have been reinstalled and two windows from the east side removed for repair, leaving 3 windows to be restored. - The World War One window on the stairway landing will be restored last - Bill King has overseen the project Memorial Building - * MSA architects developed several general design options for repurposing space in the building
- * Adjustments were made to the designs based upon suggestions from the committee
- * Work will continue after the holidays including solicitation of feedback from groups and committees within the church.
- * Input will be solicited from the Congregation.
A recommendation will be given to Session early in the new year Return to Top
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On Jan. 12 & 26, I will be going to The Knolls to show the church services on DVD in the Assisted Living dining room at 10:00 A.M.
Thank you,
Becky
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COMMUNITY __________________
NEWS FROM THE COMMUNITY ADULT DAY SERVICE
Congratulations to Phil Freidman. His name was drawn as the winner of Etta Jean Crawford's Carmel Pie (Pie of his choice) during the No Bake - Bake Sale. Thank you to Etta Jean for donating this pie. The pie made $195 for the ADS. We would also like to thank all who donated and to our sponsors. We appreciate everyone's generosity. This year we surpassed our goal!
Gold Level Sponsors
State Line Medical
Jeff Pohlman Tire and Auto Service
The Knolls of Oxford
Silver Level Sponsors
Oxfords Internal Medicine
Bronze Level Sponsors
Pristine Senior Living
Jan and David Belka
Bobbe Burke
Bath State Bank
We are continuing our Mommy and Me group on Wednesday mornings on the 13th and the 27th at 10:30 am. We have joined with a local group of preschoolers and their moms to come spend some time with us, sing, color, play games and enjoy their youthful play. Make sure you check us out on Facebook to keep updated and view our pictures of our get together!
Our Miami Speech and Hearing Group has a new leader, Theresa Ott Gable took over for Dr. Kelly Knollman- Porter last fall. We are very sad to say good-bye to Dr. Kelly. She has been coming for 8 years, But Theresa has done a fabulous leading the students and we look forward to a long relationship with her! Welcome to the ADS Family. The students return to the ADS January 28.
We do have openings available for new clients. If you would like information about the Adult Day Service or a presentation about we do, please contact Debbie Curry, LPN/Director at 513-524-0464
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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 2016:
Pam Deahl, Lynn Cronk, Pat Gifford, Tom Poetter, Rich Drewes
Class of 2017:
Mary Jane Roberts, Robert Smith, Janet Zeigler, Gwen Fears, Kim Logsdon
Class of 2018: Carol Klumb, Amy McGoldrick, Katie Payne, Deb Sayers, David Wilson
Deacons
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
Class of 2018: Karen Shearer, Lee Fisher, Virginia Layton, Ginny Staberg, Joni Marcum
Trustees
Class of 2016:Chris Adryan, Joe Simpson, Keith Payne
Class of 2017: Lisa Brunckhorst, Bill King
Class of 2018: Tom Holmes, Nick Fears
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Deadline for the February 2016 Newsletter is January 20, 2016
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JANUARY BIRTHDAYS
4 Jane Baer
5 Angela James
7 David Scotford
7 Deanna Roberts
9 Ellen Buerk
9 Tom Fey
10 Cindy Satkowski
11 Jean Butterfiled
11 Amber Beal
12 Marty Miller
13 Don Harrington
14 Amm Imhoff
15 Mary Caspar
15 Judy Herold
15 Kali Satkowski
16 Cora Friede
19 Judy Cross
19 Dolly Thomas
19 Sara Bailer
22 Scott Walter
24 Mickey Preston
25 Marilyn Rettig
26 Steve Flee
27 Glenn Rymer
27 Cathy Fey
27 Jane Jackson
29 Steve Snyder
29 Cameron Rollins
30 Kim Logsdon
31 Andrew Farler
January jaunts for our celebrants
Auld Lang Syne
The title of the Scottish tune translates to "times gone by" and is about remembering friends from the past and not letting them be forgotten. Despite its strong association with New Year's Eve, "Auld Lang Syne," written by Robert Burns in the 1700s, was never intended to be a holiday song.
(so remember that!)
January: The Wolf Moon (full moon Jan 4)
In January snow gathers deep in the woods and the howling of wolves can be heard echoing in the cold still air.
Fireworks, cheering, singing and noisemakers on New Year's Eve are believed to scare away evil spirits.
On New Year's Day you shouldn't pay out anything or make loans because this signals money leaving you
Google was originally named BackRub.
The most shoplifted food item in the U.S. is candy.
Alaska is so big you could fit 75 New Jerseys in it. (not that you would really want to)
Martin Luther King, Jr. donated all of the $54,123 (about $400,000 today) he received for his Nobel Peace Prize to the Civil Rights movement.
In his efforts to fight segregation and inequality, King traveled more than six million miles and spoke more than 2,500 times.
Question of the Month
What do bullet proof vests, fire escapes, windshield wipers, and laser printers all have in common?
On Jan. 1, 1954, Henry Bascom replaced the bulbs atop the tower of the Empire State Building, and said it was the high light of his career.
Bulletin Bloopers
The peacemaking meeting scheduled for today has been canceled due to a conflict.
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Full Article
The Spirit of Epiphany
Pastor Hart Edmonds
Christmas is just the beginning of how we come to appreciate the significance of Christ's birth! In some church traditions, the following
Season of Epiphany receives just as much attention as Christmas. In Matthew's story about the Magi on their way to Bethlehem bearing their gifts, King Herod's evil intentions alert us to the presence of danger that awaits the Christ child's birth. This story of the wise ones who seek the child by star-light tells us that Jesus' birth is so important to creation that even the night sky- and seekers far away- are transformed and inspired by his coming.
I like what someone once said about the arrival of the Magi, who are last on the scene to greet the birth of Jesus. They were late-comers to the birth of love into the world. Yet even when we feel late in coming to an awareness of love's power, there is still time to receive the gift of a life-changing love in Christ. It's never too late to give or receive love!
In the Season of Epiphany we read stories of the mission and ministry of Jesus, which show us the radiant light of God. The epiphanies which show the Spirit unfolding through Jesus reveal a pattern of spiritual transformation for Jesus' followers as well.
Our first celebration of this call to transformation will take place on Sunday, January 10 when we observe Baptism of the Lord Sunday. On this day we will participate in a renewal of baptism vows as we gather in groups around the baptismal font and remember our baptism as "God's gift of grace" and our "call to "repentance, faithfulness, and discipleship." The baptismal font is one of the central gathering places in the worship life of the church, for "baptism gives the church its identity and commissions the church for ministry to the world."
On Sunday, January 17 we will observe the birthday of Martin Luther King, Jr. as an example of someone who courageously loved his enemies. His life was an epiphany or manifestation of God's love in a time that tested the souls of all Americans. I believe we are facing another such time of testing of our national character.
In a recent letter released as An Appeal to Christians in the United States, 10 Presidents of our Presbyterian Seminaries called for us to listen to our better angels. A portion of that letter states that:
"We the undersigned are deeply concerned that in the current political climate many politicians and many in the media are calling on Christian voters to abandon our commitment to the Gospel of Jesus Christ and to turn from His call to discipleship. ...Because of fear we too easily caricature or condemn those who are different from us. Politicians and too many in the media stereotype African Americans, Asian Americans, people from Hispanic background and followers of Islam. If we follow their lead, we slander our neighbors and blaspheme against the one God of all peoples...As Christians we call ourselves and our Christian brothers and sisters in the U.S. to reject these temptations that are being promoted among us...Let us help shape the character of our much loved land not by an abandonment of our most cherished Christian convictions but by following the counsel of the Prophet Micah- to act justly And to love mercy and to walk humbly with our God." In the coming year, I pray that we all listen to our better angels as this letter invites us.
Epiphany is, then, a time to grow in our spirituality of discipleship. The word "disciple" means "learner". In this season, we are offered a time to grow into the fullness of our " identity" as a community of Christ's servants.
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Full Article
Church School News for January
Thanks to Debbie DeGennaro, Amy McGoldrick, Mary Shinn and Sandy Drewes for teaching in December.
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TEACHERS FOR JANUARY
Susan King- Nursery
Emily Lykins- Preschool
Deb Sayers and Sarah Miller- K-2
Debbie DeGennaro- Grades 3-5
Katie Saylor and Prue Dana- Middle School
Jenn Burns- High School
LESSONS FOR JANUARY FOR PRESCHOOL AND GRADES 3-5:
Jesus the Word (John 1:10-18)
We learn about God from Jesus
Jesus' Baptism (Luke 3:15-17)
God loves me,
Wedding at Cana (John 2:1-11)
Jesus turns sadness into joy
Jesus Goes to Nazareth (Luke 4:14-30)
Everyone is important to God
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CELEBRATION AT THE MANGER
December 20 th, Celebration at the Manger was performed during the 10:00 church service. This adaptation of the birth of the Christ Child was directed by  Jennifer Walter and Leanne Staley. Jenn coordinated all the volunteers, at last count there were 54, worked with costumes, script, music and set. A huge thanks to Jenn and Leanne and all who participated in this pageant. All the reviews are still not in but one parishioner wrote, "Service was wonderful. Best all year! Tell all involved it was amazing".
(Leanne was constantly in motion, so I could only capture a blur of her-ed)
Jenn Walter commented after the program, "Today was such a wonderful Christmas Celebration for all and it would not have happened without all of the amazing volunteers, dedicated parents and beautiful children. I had so much fun and appreciate the opportunity to help with this program."
This was the second year for this pageant and the players performed to a congregation of 175 in attendance. Some parts were larger than others but all of the following individuals need to be thanked for portraying what happened in that manger over 2,000 years ago. Now the challenge is to continue to see the Christ Child during Epiphany and all year long and experience the joy of the Nativity. -- Lynn Cronk
PARTICIPANTS AND HELPERS
Abigail Chaney, Lynn Cronk, Abigail Curry, Katherine Curry, Marilyn Curry, Pam Deahl, Bridgite Dickerson, Carter Farler, Bryson Fears, Nick Fears, Joe Foltz, Cora Friede, Elsa Friede, Finn Friede, Ezekial Groom, Jarred Havens, Michael Hughes, Lynn Jacobs, Angie James, Craig James, Evan James, Lauren James, Amabel Jones, Elias Jones, Gabriel Jones, Jeremy Jones, Gretchen Jones, Emily Kraushar, Ethan Kraushar, David Kraushar, Emily Lykins, Isabel Lykins, Matt Lykins, Rori Lykins, Spencer Lykins, Amy McGoldrick , Grace Montevon ,Marshall Montevan, Nicholas Payne, Amanda Rudolph, Mike Rudolph, Pate Rudolph, Autumn Saylor, Brady Saylor, Katie Saylor, Mary Shinn, Joe Simpson, Robert Simpson, Eric Staley, Leanne Staley, Molly Todd, Owen Todd, Chase Walter, Elijah Walter, Isabella Walter, Jennifer Walter, Scott Walter.
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