TABLE OF CONTENTS (scroll to see it all) (click on to JUMP TO) SPECIAL ITEMS
From Our I-Pastor June Food Drive Stewardship & Fin |
Recent Presbyterian Church services on DVD are being shown at The Knolls on June 12 & 26. All are welcome to join us in the Assisted Living dining room at 10:00 A.M
Becky Quay
|
|
__________
Deadline for the
August 2016
newsletter is
July 20
___________
|
 | |
to set up an account
|
Already have an account?
|
|
|
From Our Interim Pastor
What Are Some Practices of Renewing Congregations?
Rev. Hart Edmonds
One of the urgent needs for today's church is to "change the conversation" we have been having from a narrative of gloom and doom to a focus on where God is at work bringing new life and renewal to the church in today's world. Here the work of Diana Butler Bass' book "Christianity for the Rest of Us" is invaluable. When Bass often tells audiences that she directed a 3 year research project on "vital mainline congregations" the response is often: "Vital mainline churches? You've got to be kidding!" Or, as some remark, "must have been a short research project!" Many people often repeat the conventional wisdom that "Only conservative churches can grow, or only mega churches can thrive."
That is not the case!
_________________________________________________________
|
From Our Interim Associate Pastor
|
|  | | Pastor Cheryl Edmunds | |
THE CINCINNATI MISSION TRIP-Pastor Cheryl and the Confirmands and Friends
On Friday, May 13, Rori Lykins, David Kraushar, Allyson Gayhart, Rory Adryan, Ben Baughman, Robert Garrett, Pastor Cheryl Edmonds, Ann Larson, and Keith Payne assisted in serving dinner at the St. Seraph School in Over the Rhine. After dinner at the Findley Market they attended worship at Valley Temple Synagogue and then met with the Rabbi for conversation about the Temple and the Jewish faith. We stayed over night at Pleasant Ridge Presbyterian Church. On Saturday, May 14, Eli Walter, Ethan Kraushar, Jamie Thomas, and Nick Payne joined us for four hours of mission work at Matthew 25.
Saturday afternoon after lunch in Eden Park, we took some time for the Butterfly exhibit at Krohn's conservatory. Later that afternoon we reviewed faith statements. In the evening we cooked dinner together before a service of foot washing. Sunday morning we attended worship at Knox Presbyterian Church in Cincinnati.
Pastor Cheryl Edmonds
| |
_________________________________________________________
|
|
WORSHIP SCHEDULE
Summer Worship Schedule
June 5 Worship at Hopewell & Picnic
Sermon: "A Place in the Heart"
Text: Jeremiah 31:31-34
June 12 Communion Sunday Sermon: "Forgiveness & Gratitude" Text: Luke 7:36-8:3
June 19 Commissioning for Youth Mission Trip
Sermon: "When Love Comes to Town" Text: Luke 8: 26-39
June 26 Joint Worship with United Methodist Church Friends
Sermon: "Out of the Whirlwind"
Text: 2 Kings 2: 1-2, 6-14
July 3 Communion Sunday
"What's Freedom For Anyway?"
_____________________________________________________________
|
|
WELCOME WELCOME
Patti Evans
Financial Secretary
We are pleased to welcome our new Financial Secretary, Patti Evans to the staff. Patti began as a temporary substitute while we were searching for a new finance person, and we quickly realized she had all the skills and qualities we were seeking. You will want to meet Patti in the future, and so we are planning to introduce her to the whole congregation in mid June in a worship service.
Patti has an AS in Accounting, BS in Business Management and a MS in Acquisition and Contract Management. She has 2 grown children, Chris, 30, has his Masters in Cardiac Physical Therapy, lives in Maryland with his wife, Nicole and son, Garrett, 18 months. Nikki is 25, living in Oregon, and pursuing a career in Culinary Arts. Patti was raised in Cincinnati, lived in Maryland for 15 years, and decided it was time to come back home to be with her aging mother and 9 siblings.
She currently resides in Monroe, Ohio with her 4 dogs.
Patti has taken hold of the reins of Financial Secretary as the position became available in February. She enjoys the challenge and meeting the church members.
___________________________________________________________ | |
|
|
We welcomed, with joy and thanksgiving, our confirmands,
Rory Adryan, Cora Friede, Allyson Gayheart
Jarred Havens, David Kraushar, Ethan Kraushar, Rori Lykins
Nicholas Payne, Hank Thomas, Jamie Thomas, Elijah Walter
| |
|
CHRISTIAN EDUCATION
Since 1963 Kirkmont Center has offered safe, fun, quality year-round programming for people of all ages. Please pick up a brochure in the Molyneaux if you are interested in attending camp this summer at Kirkmont. They offer sessions for all ages as well as a Robotic camp, Sports camp, Adventure Camp, Family Camp and even Quilt Camps. Scholarships are available.
________________________________________________________ |
|
JAMIESON AWARD
The Jamieson Award is given to a senior or seniors who have made a significant contribution to the church and its youth activities. The 2016 recipients, of whom we are very proud, are:
Katie Curry-Katie will be attending Ohio Northern University in their six-year Pharmacy School and playing tennis for the Polar Bears.
Jarred Havens - Jarred has been accepted into an Indianapolis program to become a Veterinary Technician
Michael Hughes- Michael will be attending University of Cincinnati Conservatory of Music to major in Commercial Music Production
Chase Walter- Chase will be attending Miami University
________________________________________________
Return to top
|
CARES, CONCERNS, JOYS AND THANK YOUs
IN OUR PRAYERS:
Keep these friends in your prayers:
Marilyn Young, Genee Hesse, John Reller, Stacey Winn, Betty Barnhart, Cathy Fey, Marilyn Rettig, Sarah Soika, Bob Douglass
Lord in Your Mercy, Hear Our Prayers ___________________________ JOYS COLLEGE GRADUATES, 2016
Lindsay Crist is an English Literature major with a French minor. She will be graduating magna cum laude. (Quel exploit!-ed.) She plans to pursue career opportunities after graduation, and is looking forward to doing some traveling, spending time with friends and family, and planning her wedding. She is grateful for the support from her church family over the years!
Mitch Poetter majored in Sports Leadership and Management and Minored in Management in the Farmer School of Business. He plans to continue his studies in graduate school next year in Miami's graduate program in Sports Leadership, and to continue his internship with the Miami Football Program. He, too, is grateful for the support of his church family over the years.
Lynn Cronk
Stop the Presses! We just learned of one more College Graduate Patrick Proctor, grandson of proud grandmother, Pris Berry graduated Cum Laude! Patrick majored in Computer Science at Miami, is traveling to Sweden to sing with the Glee Club before he starts his job in software development in Brisbane, Australia!
|
_______________________________________________ |
MISSION AND OUTREACH
|
Mission and Outreach Survey 
We currently support missionaries in Haiti, Ecuador, Russia and Ghana. The Mission and Outreach Committee (M&O) is looking to add another missionary for our church to support. They would like YOUR input on this important decision.
Print it out - fill it out - return it to the Church office.
Thank You
_________________________________________________
Return to Top
|
DEACONS
SUMMER FOOD DRIVE
JUNE 19
The Deacons request your donations to make the June 19 Summer Food Drive an eye-popping success! Remember that many children need extra food at home, since school breakfasts and lunches are not available.
The Choice Pantry Requests:
Pasta
Fruit-pears and pineapple and other fruit but not peaches or mixed fruit
Vegetables-peas and carrots and other vegetables but not green beans, corn or mixed vegetables
Mac 'n cheese
Peanut butter
Cereal
Spaghetti O's; Ravioli, Chef Bourarde
Toilet paper
Child personal care items like body wash, deodorant, shampoo and hair conditioner--but not bar soap
Please leave the bags of food in the Narthex and if you prefer to make a monetary donation, make your check out to Oxford Presbyterian Church with Children's Food Drive in the note field or if cash, mark your envelope Children's Food Drive.
_____________________________________________
Please be mindful that there is a box by the Church Offices where you may continue to drop off food for the Oxford Choice Food Pantry anytime. Monetary donations may be placed in the offering plate anytime after the drive as well.
________________________________________
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 June 21, at 1:30pm at the Knolls. Registration for lunch is due to Lawretta Clum by June 17. Prue Dana will lead the lesson. All are WELCOME!
THE TUESDAY EVENING CIRCLE
The June 7 meeting is our potluck PICNIC! We will meet at Nancy Sturgeon's home at 6:30 p.m. 417 Pamela Drive. 523-4309. The food always seems to work out great even without assigning dishes. Sue Wilson will give the devotions and Billie Maynard will give the program. Guests are welcomed.
___________________
REMEMBER: CIRCLES DO NOT MEET IN JULY
________________________
ONE NOT TO MISS
OPW RETREAT
June 4, 9 am to 1 pm, Western Lodge
Pastor Cheryl will present the program, "Jump Starting Our Imagination."
Lunch is $10.00 and reservation must be made by May 30, 2016.
Answer to July Question of the Month:
One Thousand
____________________________
HONORED WOMAN AWARD The Oxford Presbyterian "Honored Woman Award" is presented annually to one or two candidates. The candidates are selected from written nominations given to a committee of three. The honorary Life Membership program was established early last century in the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) t honor faithful service to the Women's Organization and to the church. Funds derived from the Honorary Memberships support the Presbyterian Women's Leadership Development Grant Program. A silver membership pin that is presented along with a personalized certificate represents the Honorary Life Membership. The Honorary Life Membership pin symbolizes values held dear by Presbyterian women. This year, 2016, our two recipients are: Rebecca (Becky) Rudolph and Jennifer Lake.
Over the past 60 years, Becky has been a member of the church and served in many roles. For most of those years she has sung alto in our Chancel Choir. She also participated in the Hand Bell Choir when it was active, and is still active in the Choir, even at 90 years of age. Becky served many years in our Christian Education program. Served as teacher for many classes (including her son's classes) as teacher and coordinator for the elementary age children. For many years Becky also served as a volunteer office worker and later part time and then full time Secretary for the Church office. She was very talented as a professional secretary. Becky Rudolph could add many many stories about her love of the Oxford Presbyterian Church and her love for her faith. However, I would like to borrow a quote from her son. He said, "My Mom and Dad are the best testament I can think of about a couple that was passionate about their faith, shared it in many ways with everyone they came to encounter-and raised me too." Jennifer Lake has served our church as a Deacon and in doing so, became a permanent member of the Deacon's Wedding Hostess Committee. She has been the Wedding Hostess for the past 15 years, well past her days on the Board of Deacons. This young woman serves as an usher on odd number Sundays, and also collects the offering on those days. For quite a few years Jennifer has been part of the planning committee of Oxford Relay for Life event in the summer. She tirelessly met to plan and execute the many details in raising money for the American Cancer Society. She has been a co-leader of our Church's Relay for Life team. She has raised thousands of dollars through the years to donate to cancer research in the name of our Church. Jennifer has been the team captain for many years and drafts her son, daughter and husband to participate too. This Honored Woman at the present time is serving on our Pastor Nominating Committee, which has been working diligently for months. The 2016 Honored Woman committee is Jean Derickson, Pat Gifford and Lawretta Clum. Our committee encourages those whose written nominations were not chosen this year to RENOMINATE their candidate NEXT year. We have a limit of two Honored Woman Awards per year. CONGRATULATIONS to Becky Rudolph and Jennifer Lake-our Honored Women of the Year! Jean Derickson, Chair, Pat Gifford, Lauretta Clum __________________________
MENAUL SCHOOL I've sent in a bunch of Box Tops for Education because I noticed quite a few had an expiration date of June 1. They sent a very nice thank you note. It mentioned they had $5,000 from Box Tops for Education last year. It all adds up. I'm still collecting so please keep the Box Tops coming. The note said that the collecting of Campbell's Labels for Education has been discontinued. So we no longer need to save them. I appreciate all your efforts for this extra giving opportunity. Karen Simpson
| |
______________________________________________________
|
|
PASTOR NOMINATING COMMITTEE
This is an update on the status of the Pastor Nominating Committee.
This committee, chosen last November, consists of Jenny Bailer, Jenn Walter, Jennifer Lake, Tip Ziegler, Tom Holmes, Lindsay Crist and John Curry. Jenny Bailer and John Curry are co-chairs. Marj Lawson, from our Presbytery's Committee on Ministry, is our resource person.
Our initial task was to draft a Ministry Information Form (MIF) to introduce our Church to prospective candidates. The MIF communicates information about our Church and the pastoral job description.
After approval of the MIF by Session and the Committee on Ministry, we started receiving resumes from prospective candidates. At this point, we have reviewed about 60 resumes. From that group, some were selected for subsequent evaluation. That evaluation step included reference checks, hearing/viewing recorded sermons and direct interviews using Skype. We have now selected a still smaller group who seem to be a good match for our needs. Evaluating this small group is where we are today.
We cannot make any firm prediction of how long this selection process will take but, rest assured, we are working diligently to move the process expeditiously ahead.
Your PNC
________________________________________________
| |
|
SESSION
Discussion among elders centered on effective leadership styles for church leaders. These included sanctified imagination, thinking outside the box, letting scripture lead, stepping out in faith by taking risks.
Motion passed to engage MSA (architects) to draw up specific floor plans (at a cost of $15,000) for proposed Memorial Building redesign. Master plan drawings will be used to create concept design and options will be offered for a phased approach and provide fundraising suggestions.
Buildings Use policy, and Key policy were presented by the trustees and approved.
Patti Evans has been hired as financial secretary, beginning officially on May 30.
Plans are being made for the visit of Igor Maksakov and a friend in late August/early September.
Approval was given to hold a joint worship service with Oxford United Methodist Church on June 26 at OPC.
Judy Fisher
| Return to Top
___________________________________________________ |
|
STEWARDSHIP AND FINANCE
A way for supporting a local mission of our Church: For over 30 years, the Christian Cooperative Nursery School (CCNS) has operated in the Memorial building during the school year. This school for preschoolers is funded mainly by student tuition and to a lesser extent by fund-raising events and occasional donations. Additionally, the school administrator/lead teacher applies for grants to provide scholarships. Four partial scholarships have been provided for the 2015/2016 school year. The Church provides space, utilities and janitorial supplies/services. The CCNS pays the Church a small yearly facility use fee for each student enrolled. If you are interested in further supporting this local mission effort, your donation will be most welcome. Donations are used to cover unexpected expenses (outside the CCNS budget) such as the replacement of a printer or the tuition payment for a child whose parents are unable to make their payment. Currently, these unexpected expenses come out of the salary of the teacher. S&F is working to build a "rainy day fund" to cover these unexpected expenses. If this is something you wish to support, indicate "CCNS" and any additional information on your check memo and place it in the offering plate. Our Financial Secretary will ensure that your donation goes to CCNS. Thank you from the Stewardship and Finance (S&F) Committee
Return to Top
___________________________________________________ |
CHOIR RECOGNITION The chancel choir members appreciated choir recognition Sunday on May 8. Pastor Hart spoke for the EVERYONE, recognizing Kent Peterson as a true master. Then Kent shared his comments from the heart and expressed so accurately how this group works together, both musically and as a family.
Kent acknowledged two special members, Jane Baer and Becky Rudolph. Jane has been a member of this church all of her life. Becky has been a mainstay of the alto section since before some members were born. Enjoy learning more about Jane and Becky below. JANE BAER The Baer Family has been a pillar of the Oxford community since 1907. At that time Jane's great aunt was a student at Western College. When her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Michael Baer, came to visit their daughter they were impressed with Oxford. The house and land at 131 East Spring Street was available and so they purchased it. Imagine what they would think if they saw that corner today! Jane graduated from Miami University in 1946, where she had worked in the library as a student. She did some singing while in college, but really got serious about lessons after graduation. The applications of many Miami students passed through Jane's hands while she worked in the Office of Admissions, retiring after 41 years of service. The chancel choir of the Presbyterian Church, under the direction of Mr. Meade (organist and director) drew her interest. In those years three services were held on particular Sundays: Easter, Mother's Day (fraternities invited their Mothers to Oxford to celebrate the occasion), and Christmas. Youth choirs would sing during the summer months, giving the chancel choir a well-deserved respite. When Bob Moore became director, a high school choir was formed. As there were two services on Sundays, the high school group sang at the earlier service. At OPC, Jane has served as an elder, been active in OPW and a women's circle. A highlight of her circles' year is meeting at 131 East Spring Street when the three Christmas trees are on display. She is a member of the Women's Music Club of Oxford and the Monday Club. She enjoys classical music, country, and the church music she has sung for these many years. Symphony concerts, and May Festival each spring, find her in her seat at Music Hall. A long life, full of a variety of events, has shown her that the fast pace of life that is prevalent today is not necessarily the way to a satisfying life. Her advice for life........................."Wait". BECKY RUDOLPH
Becky Rudolph came to Oxford in 1956 with the love of her life, Alton "Rudy" Rudolph, when he became the first principal of the, then, new Talawanda High School. Both were musically inclined, as is their son Mike and are his children, Matthew and Amanda. Becky grew up in Arkansas, met Rudy when his father came to town as the new church preacher. She played the piano, accompanied this charming young man for a Christmas solo, and the rest is history. During her years in Oxford Becky worked in the Dean of the Graduate School Office, at Miami, for Dean William E. Smith. Later Becky worked with Rev. Robert Foster, for five years, at the Sesquicentennial Chapel and Kumler Chapel, where she was responsible for scheduling of events, keeping things in order, answering a multitude of questions from students. Always at the forefront of her life was making a home for Rudy and Mike. For twelve years she was the teacher and caregiver in the three-year-old nursery on Sunday mornings at the Memorial/ United Presbyterian Church. Finally she decided to join Rudy in the choir and has been a mainstay of the alto section ever since. She still plays the piano at home, reads voraciously and is an accomplished crossword puzzle solver. Becky's favorite kinds of music are the classics and big band music - no hip-hop for her! Advice from our 90-year-old alto - hang in there and do the best you can with what you have. Judy Fisher
| |
__________________________________________________________
|
INTRODUCING
A NEW COLUMN
WANTED: a guest columnist for the August newsletter. Help save this column. Donate your words before this column starves.
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. Send your write-up to Nancy at moeckenj@miamioh.edu. Or call (523-6003) and we can chat
| |
___________________________________________
|
|
OUR MISSION STATEMENT AT WORK
Seeking God, Serving Others, Sharing Christ's Love With All
I received over 40 cards of Happy 100th Birthday wishes. The Session, Deacons & Trustees all sent thoughtful best wishes. Several cards included wonderful personal notes and letters.
Over half my 100 years were spent in
Oxford and those were the best with family, education and friends. Thank all of you (or ya'll) for your kind words and messages.
Much Love
Faye Santavicca
| |
________________________________________________________
|
CHURCH SERVICES AT THE KNOLLS
Recent Presbyterian Church services on DVD are being shown at The Knolls on June 12 & 26. All are welcome to join us in the Assisted Living dining room at 10:00 A.M
Becky Quay
___________________
LIKE YOUR LAUNDRY, THE BULLETINS
DO NOT FOLD THEMSELVES.
Instead, each Friday at 9:30 the BFFs (Bulletin Folding Facilitators) meet in the Molyneaux to do the stuffing and folding. It takes about an hour or less and the more the merrier...so YOU are welcome to join in the fun. Bridgite creates the bulletin, gathering and receiving information. The bulletin deadline is Wednesday afternoon for the following Sunday. About 150 bulletins are printed, and did you know that shut-ins and other friends are mailed a copy? What a nice way to keep the family in touch!
In the picture are Ginny Staberg and Carol Burkhalter. Missing from the photo are Paula Foltz and Connie Everhart. Our thanks to the BFFs!
THIS JUST IN: Help needed for newsletter folding, too. The newsletter works on a less regular schedule, but still needs folding. Once a month, except for July, the newsletter is mailed to those who don't receive it via email. The BFFs do this task as well, but need more help.
If you are interested in volunteering to help fold, seal and label newsletters, we would love to have you! Please contact the church office: 513-523-6364 for details.
______________________________
COMMUNITY MEAL
NEXT MEAL JUNE 29
Community Meal is an on-going ministry in service to our neighbors. Oxford Presbyterian Church serves the Community Meal when there is a fifth Wednesday in a month. The meal begins at 5:30pm in our Seminary Building.
We need cooks, people to set up, people to serve, and people to clean up. If you can help, call the church office.
At the meal, there is also the opportunity to help people with items they need, but which are not eligible for purchase with SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, formerly known as Food Stamps) benefits. There is a box by the church office to place items for the Community Meal Pantry Needs.
Pantry Needs: bleach, detergent, multipurpose cleaner, dish soap, mouthwash, hand soap, body wash, shampoo, diapers (NB, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5), wipes, baby shampoo, baby lotion, paper towels, toilet bowl cleaner.
If you would like to donate money please indicate "Community Meal" on your check.
______________________
Deadline for the August Newsletter is July 20, 2016
________________________________________
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
_____________________________
JUNE BIRTHDAYS
June 2 Sarah Miller
Sandy Richardson
Bill Fisher
Amy McGoldrick
Madyson Bommer
June 3 Marlene Vaughn
Sandy Schilling
Craig James
June 4 Olivia DeGennaro
Dylan Gardner
June 7 Jim Sturgeon
June 8 Bill King
Joni Marcum
June 10 William Bommer
June 13 Scott Hartman
Mitch Poetter
June 4 Janet Holmes
June 15 Kelly Richmond
June 17 Maxine Peters
Joe Wespiser
Pat Roberts
Turner Rollins
June 19 Gwen Fears
June 21 Judy Fisher
Ian Pacey
David Smith
June 22 Charles Skipper
John Baer
June 23 Opal Wespiser
Andrea Johnson
Grady Holmes
June 27 Kate Wespiser
Linda Hesford
June 28 Betty Reinhart
Cheryl Ferris
June 29 Connie Everhart
JULY BIRTHDAYS
July 1 Jay Baird
Janet Stuckey
July 4 Jack Vaughn
July 5 Roberta Crain
July 6 Ann Hardy
Isabella Walter
July 10 Nancy Moeckel
July 12 Will Hazelton
David Kraushar
July 13 Richard Ziegler
July14 Jim Maynard
July 15 Dave Kraushar
July 16 Jean Vance
Barbara Jena
July 19 Gil Siegel
Amanda McGoldrick
July 20 Reba Deiss
July 23 Tristan Gayhart
July 24 Ashley Richardson
July 25 Karen Shearer
July 26 Pat McKillop
July 26 Vicki Pacey
July 29 Alexandra Hazleton
July 30 Matthew Green
July 31 Janet Feazell
JUNQUE for JUNE AND JULY
June is National:
Aquarium, Candy, Dairy, Gay Pride, Accordion Awareness, Adopt a Cat, Fresh Fruit and Vegetables, Rose and Turkey Lovers month.
July is National:
Blueberry, Anti-Boredom, Unlucky Month for weddings,Cell Phone Courtesy, Hot Dog, and Ice Cream
Month
Summer Solstice in Cincinnati, Ohio, USA is on
Monday, June 20, 2016 at 6:34 PM EDT
Fun facts to know and tell:
'Solstice' (Latin: 'solstitium') means 'sun-stopping'. The point on the horizon where the sun appears to rise and set, stops and reverses direction after this day. On the solstice, the sun does not rise precisely in the east, but rises to the north of east and sets to the north of west, meaning it's visible in the sky for a longer period of time.
Flag day is June 14. Fly it HIGH!
June question of the month. Look for the answer somewhere in the newsletter.
Who cut the American flag into pieces and was honored for doing it?
To crack a whip, the tip must be traveling faster than the speed of sound
Parents' Day is celebrated on the fourth Sunday of July. President Bill Clinton established Parent's Day in 1994.
July 1903 - The first Tour de France bicycle race began.
The use of drugs to enhance performance in sports has certainly occurred since the time of the original Olympic Games [from 776 to 393 BC]. The origin of the word 'doping' is attributed to the Dutch word 'doop,' which is a viscous opium juice, the drug of choice of the ancient Greeks."
A mole can dig a tunnel 300 feet long in just one night. (I can verify that!-ed.)
Recycling one glass jar saves enough energy to watch TV for 3 hours. (too bad there's nothing worth watching!-ed) Recycle that jar anyway!
July question of the month. Yep, somewhere in the newsletter.
If you were to spell out numbers, how far would you have to go until you would find the letter "A"?
The Tale of Peter Rabbit by Beatrix Potter was rejected so many times she decided to self-publish 250 copies. It has now sold 45 million.
Alex Haley writes for eight years and receives 200 consecutive rejections. His novel Roots becomes a publishing sensation, selling 1.5 million copies in its first seven months of release, and going on to sell 8 million copies.
| |
_________________________________________________________ |
COMMUNITY
Recently, the Morris Family accepted the key for the 7th house on Carter Circle. Melissa and her daughter Lela will be moving to Oxford from Fairfield. Melissa works in Hamilton.
Now that most Miami students have gone away for the summer, there is an urgent need for volunteers to finish the 8th house on Carter Circle. The contractor is on site Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
If you can volunteer please visit the site on one of these days. You can also sign up online at
_____________________________
ADULT DAY SERVICE
Happy June everyone! The Adult Day Service has continued to grow and now has 25 clients enrolled and serves 10-12 clients a day. Thanks to everyone who helps spread the word of what we do! We would like to Welcome Dan C., Ernie W, and Jim T. to the ADS family.
We have a regularly scheduled volunteer -Jessica C. She is 21 years old and comes to help us 3 days a week. She has very special talents and one that our clients really enjoy is her ability to whistle just like birds.
We have a few craft projects planned in June. We will be doing a Father's Day craft the week of June 13th. The Week of the 19th we will work on a flip-flop craft and the week of the 27th we will make our own wind chimes.
We do have openings available. If you would like information about the ADS please call 513-523-8100. Email dcurry@oxfordsenior.org to request an activity calendar. Be sure to follow us on Facebook for regular updates and pictures. We love to show off what we do here! Just look for us - Community Adult Day Service | |
_______________________________________________________
|
Full Article
One of the urgent needs for today's church is to "change the conversation" we have been having from a narrative of gloom and doom to a focus on where God is at work bringing new life and renewal to the church in today's world. Here the work of Diana Butler Bass' book "Christianity for the Rest of Us" is invaluable. When Bass often tells audiences that she directed a 3 year research project on "vital mainline congregations" the response is often: "Vital mainline churches? You've got to be kidding!" Or, as some remark, "must have been a short research project!" Many people often repeat the conventional wisdom that "Only conservative churches can grow, or only mega churches can thrive."
That is not the case!
Here's the good news from Dorothy Butler Bass' research over a three year period. All the congregations studied, have found a new vitality through an intentional and transformative engagement with Christian tradition as embodied in faith practices which Bass' research team identified as consisting of 10 widespread practices. These churches reach back to ancient wisdom and reach out through a life sustained by Christian moral and devotional practices. They focus more on God's grace in the world than on the eternal state of one's soul. A brief summary follows of these practices with an invitation for you to reflect on where we might deepen or learn new practices of faith.
Ten Practices of Faith: Embracing Approaches to Renewal & Transformation
1.Hospitality: Here's the definition Bass offers. "True Christian hospitality is not a recruitment strategy designed to manipulate strangers into church membership. It speaks more about God welcoming us into the heart of God." We invite people to experience Christian faith with us not so that the church can survive, but because we believe Christian community is where strangers can become friends in Christ. What is the understanding of hospitality currently held in this church? Are our gatherings and meetings hospitable? Or do people mainly gather to do business? What people groups in the community are present and absent? How would you go about designing a strategy for learning the practice of "hospitality"? Is it more than just offering coffee and donuts?
2.Discernment: Finding our Spiritual Compass is how Bass defines discernment.
Where am I going with my life? Who is going with me? Where are we going with God? What is God's mission for this church? Does our congregation have a deep sense of calling as the body of Christ?
Bass remarks that Hospitality and Discernment were the 2 most widely spread spiritual practices in her study. Hospitality is about belonging to each other and to God and welcoming all to community. Discernment is about identity and purpose and calling. Why do you think these two practices show up as the most widespread?
3.Healing: For a long time, mainline and Presbyterian Churches were skeptical about the spiritual practice of healing. We were afraid of "those healing focused churches", I think, because we had such a low view of the healing ministry of Jesus and the Spirit of God. That has changed dramatically for many Christians. Describe a time in your life when you or someone you loved needed healing that was physical, emotional, relational, or spiritual. How did that experience with someone's need for healing, or even your own personal need, impact your faith and trust in God's healing love? When have you found worship healing? What needs for healing are evident in this congregation? Community? Are there places of grief or resentment that call for God's healing and reconciling presence among us?
4.Contemplation: Increasingly, many people are hungry for an experience of God. Churches can often be described as either "message centered" or "focused on the presence of God" and more experiential. How would you describe this congregation? Are we more head centered than heart centered? Our recent Taize services are a contribution to a deeper experience of God through contemplative worship.
5.Testimony: Bass writes of her own struggle with the practice of testimony or giving witness to her faith, or sharing her spiritual journey until she began to discover the more ancient roots of this practice. She says she opened her views by considering this practice as a part of the ancient experience of pilgrimage, in which the pilgrim gives an account of one's journey of faith. This is a spirituality that is far more than having all the answers. It's about living the questions. It speaks of God making wholeness out of human woundedness, incompleteness, and exploring where God is leading. In telling the stories of our faith, we learn that we are not alone. How are we cultivating ways of sharing testimony? Would you welcome more of this faith practice?
6.Diversity: Brainstorm a list of varied features of diversity in this church, your community, and your world. How much is present in this church? What is welcomed? What is avoided? Why is diversity important spiritually? What are biblical stories that affirm diversity in the expression of faith and the call of the church to affirm diversity as God's blessing?
7.Justice: In his book "Jesus, Global Crises, and a Revolution of Hope" Brian McLaren raises two questions for the church that should be unthinkable to avoid: #1 What are the biggest problems in the world? #2 What does biblical faith and our understanding of Jesus have to say about these global issues that are often local as well. Consider a few such as poverty, violence in our gun saturated culture, issues of gender and class and sexuality, income inequality, racism, peace-making. How is this church wrestling with these questions? Or, do we mostly avoid such challenges? What do you think?
The final 3 practices are Worship, Reflection, and Beauty: Bass' book describes a wealth of varied worship practices. Where does this congregation experience "energy" in worship? Reflection is the practice of learning what it means to live our faith. How is this congregation engaging in "theological discussion" and learning? Far too often congregations just want to "do" something, at the expense of "reflecting" on their experience and where they are encountering God. What is the place of music and the arts in the practice of this congregation? Do we seek experiences of beauty? How might this be encouraged?
I invite you to give thought to how these 10 Practices of Faith can offer energy and hope to OPC!
| |
______________________________________________________
|
|
Full Article
Since 1963 Kirkmont Center has offered safe, fun, quality year-round programming for people of all ages. Please pick up a brochure in the Molyneaux if you are interested in attending camp this summer at Kirkmont. They offer sessions for all ages as well as a Robotic camp, Sports camp, Adventure Camp, Family Camp and even Quilt Camps. Scholarships are available.
As we kick off the Summer Season, the preschoolers are Praising God. This is the translation used from the Spark Story Bible from the Psalms.
Praise God
Hooray for our awesome God!
God made you and me and everything else!
God you are so amazing and strong and creative!
Everyone thinks so-even babies!
When I look up in the sky at night and see the moon and all those stars that you have made, it makes me extra glad that you care for me!
You ask us to work with you- to help take care of everything you've made.
And you have given us a job to do, God.
You want us to care for the earth and everything that lives on it- all the animals and birds and fish and sea animals.
Hooray for our awesome God! God made you and me and everything else!
From the Psalms, Spark Story Bible used with our preschoolers.
Summer Schedule
The summer schedule began on May 29. The nursery will be open as well as the preschool class in the Preschool area. Children in preschool through Grade 2 are welcome to attend this class.
June 5 9:30 Worship at Hopewell, picnic and a geocache!
June 12 Nursery - Margaret Butcher
Preschool- Leanne Staley
June 19 Nursery- Margaret Butcher
Preschool- Mary Shinn
June 26 Nursery- Margaret Butcher
Preschool Mary Shinn
July Teachers needed for Nursery and Preschool
July 10- No Nursery or Preschool
VBS at Faith Lutheran
July 31- Nursery-Preschool-
Marilyn and Katie Curry
August 7 - Nursery-
Preschool- Debbie DeGennaro
August 14- Nursery-Preschool- Marilyn and Katie Curry
August 21- Nursery-
Preschool- Debbie DeGennaro
Regular Fall Schedule Begins for classes.
Call Lynn Cronk if you can help in the nursery or with the preschool class.
Other CE Dates
June 7- Mission Trip Retreat 7 p.m. to 7 a.m.
July 8-10 VBS at Faith Lutheran- Register at https.www.groupvbspro.com/vbs/ez/oxfordvbs2016/gpgs/Home.aspx or call
Katie Saylor 513-284-8157
July 10- Children at Faith Lutheran for VBS- no church school at OPC
July 17- Begin Summer Children's Message during worship
June 19 through 25- Mission Trip to Princeton, Illinois
August 21- Begin Fall Church School Schedule
| | Return to Top
_______________________________________________________
|
We welcome your feedback on the newsletter. We CRAVE your feedback as much as a snug bug craves a rug. What is missing from the newsletter that you would like to see? Let me know. Thanks, nancy. moeckenj@miamioh.edu
(and here's your bonus for reading this section: Did you hear about the cross-eyed teacher who lost her job because she couldn't control her pupils?
|
|
