TABLE OF CONTENTS (scroll to see it all) (click on to JUMP TO) SPECIAL ITEMS
From Our I-Pastor |
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Church services on DVD at the Knolls will resume in September
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Deadline for the
September 2016
newsletter is
August 20
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From Our Interim Pastor
Thoughts About a New Pastor
Rev. Hart Edmonds
Whenever a congregation goes looking for a new pastor, the first question on their minds when the committee interviews a new candidate is: Will this pastor grow our church?
I'm going to go ahead and answer that question right now: No, she will not.
No amount of pastoral eloquence, organization, insightfulness, amicability, or charisma will take your congregation back to its glory days.
What then can your pastor do?
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WORSHIP SCHEDULE
Theme: The themes for our worship services in August are captured in a prayer from the great theologian Reinhold Niebuhr.
"Nothing that is worth doing can be achieved in our lifetime;
therefore we must be saved by hope.
Nothing which is true or beautiful or good makes complete sense
In any immediate context of history;
therefore we must be saved by faith
Nothing we do, however virtuous, can be accomplished alone;
therefore we must be saved by love.
No virtuous act is quite as virtuous from the standpoint of our friend or foe as it is from our standpoint. Therefore we must be saved by the final form of love which is forgiveness."
Amen.
Reinhold Niebuhr.
August 7
"Keep the Faith"
Communion Sunday
Text: Hebrews 11: 1-3, 8-16;
August 14
"Hope in an Age of Anxiety"
Text: I Corinthians 13:13; I Thessalonians 1: 1-4
August 21
"The Way of Love"
Text: I John 3: 13-24
August 29
"Welcome!"
Sharing a welcome to returning and new Miami University students and faculty
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YOUTH MISSION TRIP CELEBRATION! The worship service on Sunday, July 24 was planned and presented by the youth who went on the recent mission trip to Princeton, Illinois. Needless to say, it was exuberant, exciting, youthful and heartfelt. As several people said, it was inspiring to hear about the trip and we, the congregation, are PROUD of our teens. Our youth shared their love with each other and with their residents. They left home perhaps a little timid, and unsure of working with and getting to know strangers, but they came home with a new confidence, assured that they are indeed EXTRAordinary!
Read more detail about the mission trip and Jenn Burns' tenure in the Youth Ministry column in this newsletter.
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SAYING GOODBYE TO JENN BURNS
Not an easy thing to do!
Sunday, July 31 will be Jenn's last day as Interim Youth Leader. Jenn has done an exemplary job as Youth Leader and will be deeply missed by many.
All the best to you, Jenn, from everyone at OPC.
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CHRISTIAN EDUCATION
Thanks for StaffingIn the summer months, we are dependent on volunteers for staffing the nursery and preschool class who normally do not teach during the regular school year. This summer we have been especially blessed to have the following members so graciously teach our children. Special thanks go to the following: Rosemary Fisher, Bill Fisher, Katie Saylor, Margaret Butcher, Leanne Staley, Mary Shinn, Janet Ziegler, Amy McGoldrick, Karen Shearer, Cia Beal, Katie Curry, Marilyn Curry, Debbie DeGennaro, and Jenn Walter.
Once again Prue Dana and Katie Saylor represented Oxford Presbyterian Church to coordinate VBS with Faith Lutheran and Oxford United Methodist Church. VBS was held at Faith Lutheran and Prue and Katie were responsible for the art activity, which included science projects this year. Katie was also instrumental in set-up, registration, and coordinating donations. A huge thanks to Prue and Katie for their terrific work with Vacation Bible School.
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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, Nancy Gates
Lord in Your Mercy, Hear Our Prayers
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We have learned the sad news that Wanda Abrams, the wife of Pastor Robert Abrams died on June 2. Pastor Abrams served the Seminary congregation in the 1950's.
Please keep the Abrams in your thoughts and prayers. Bob called Jean Butterfield, who shares this news with us.
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JOYS
Lee Fisher was ordained and installed as our newest Deacon. Welcome, Lee!
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Jean Butterfield shares the joy of her granddaughter, Jennifer Butterfield Cartes, receiving her Master's Degree from the University of Delaware. Jennifer is currently on staff at U.D., developing an early-childhood education department.
Congratulations Jean and Jennifer!
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It was a pleasure to listen to and watch as Joe Foltz played his original composition, "Anna," on the vibraphone. Thank you for sharing your talent with us, Joe.
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THANK YOU We said THANK YOU to Joy Chen. Though the choir will especially miss  you, Joy, we ALL will miss you as well. May the best come to you. And may all the roads you travel lead you home. __________________________________ OPC received a lovely gift from our friends in Barranquilla, Columbia. The inscription reads: Dear Oxford Church, "That they all may be one, as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us. That the world may believe that thou hast sent me." John 17:21 Les Amamos! Iglesia Septima Presbiteriana "El Aposento Alto" ___________________ Sanctuary cushions have been cleaned. Tony Huber is grateful for support he received during his cancer diagnosis. He asked to volunteer at the church to show his appreciation. The sanctuary cushions had years of wax accumulation on them. Tony spent a long afternoon removing wax, vacuuming, and cleaning the pew seats. He completed 3/4 of them. His chemo has weakened him to the point where he will not return to complete the job.
The cushions look great. We will complete the job. Thanks to Tony for showing us the way and making an extraordinary effort! Joe Simpson _____________________ A GREAT TIME AT VBS Thank you, thank you, thank you to the many joyful children who attended VBS, the dedicated parents who brought them, the wonderful volunteers who worked so hard and the generous congregants who donated time, supplies, food and drinks!!! Over 50 children attended this year's joint Vacation Bible School with the Oxford United Methodist Church and Faith Lutheran Church. They learned Bible stories and songs, made crafts, worked on a service project collecting needed items for the homeless, played games, ate together and did science experiments! Over 50 volunteers, from middle and high school students to senior citizens and every age in between, sang, led games, danced, cooked, served, taught, decorated, crafted and watched over our children! 
This year's theme was Cave Quest: Following Jesus, The Light of the World. We learned that Jesus gives us courage ("Take courage. I am here!" Matthew 14:27) and that Jesus gives us love ("We know what real love is because Jesus gave his life for us." 1 John 3:16 and that Jesus gives us his power ("Our great power is from God, not from ourselves." 2 Corinthians 4:7)! Katie Saylor 
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DEACONS
Deacons Summer Food Drive with emphasis on Children
The Deacons wish to thank the Oxford Presbyterian Church congregation for their generosity.
Delivered: 240 pounds of food to the Oxford Choice Pantry
Raised: $1830.00 in monetary donations in June
Raised: additional 90.00 as of July 11
Danny Cross
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A LITTLE HELP FOR OUR FRIENDS
Have you ever been without shampoo or unable to buy packs of toilet tissue for the week? It is difficult for some people to cover such expenses. In order to give a little help to our friends and neighbors, it would be great if you would donate items to be distributed at the Community Meal our church will sponsor on August 31.
Or you may prefer to give a monetary donation. Any monetary gifts should be marked "Community Meal." If you wish to donate diapers, laundry detergent, liquid hand and body soaps, shampoo, toilet paper, toothpaste, dish soap, 9 volt batteries (for smoke detectors), wash cloths and towels, dry pet food, or deodorant, that would be fantastic. We will collect the items at church on August 14, 21, and 28. Please put them in a bag and mark them "Community Dinner Gifts." SPECIAL NOTE: If you participate in a church group, such as church school, a Bible study, prayer group, or youth group, you might wish to collectively donate some items. The items can be put in the Narthex on Sundays or placed in the box in the hallway behind the Molyneaux Lounge. The box is marked Community Meal. Any help you can give is much appreciated. Thank you so much. Jean O'Connell, for the Deacons
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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.
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Do you know someone who needs a Prayer Shawl? Shawls are given for comfort in times of illness or grief, as well as for celebration in times of joy. If you have a friend or relative to whom you would like to give a Prayer Shawl, please call Cornelia Browne.
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OXFORD PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH WOMEN
THE TUESDAY AFTERNOON CIRCLE THE TUESDAY EVENING CIRCLE
will not meet in August. Our first meeting will be September 6 in the home of Billie Maynard, 135 Wayside Drive in Hamilton. We will be car-pooling. The co-hostess is Ginny Layton. Jean O'Connell will lead the Devotions. Janet Holmes will present the program.
Study books are in. Anyone who wants her copy early should contact Karen Simpson. The cost is still $8.00.
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OPW NEWS
On June 4th the women met at the Western Lodge for a Retreat. We had breakfast, lunch, music, fun, and fellowship. Cheryl Edmonds led the program on Imagination. OPW leaders were installed and the Birthday Offering was dedicated.
OXFORD PRESBYTERIAN WOMEN OFFICERS
Moderator Sue Wilson
Secretary Paula Foltz
Treasurer Virginia Layton
Coordinators:
Gatherings Roberta Crain
Ways & Means Karen Shearer
Studies& Mission Interpretation Karen Simpson
Issues & Action Nancy Moeckel
COMMITTEES
Jamieson Debbie Davidson
Search Becky Quay
Ginny Staberg
Nancy Sturgeon
Honored Woman Pat Gifford
Lawretta Clum
Jo Reinhart
Church Women United Karen Simpson
Cookie Walk & Crafts Karen Shearer
Bethesda Christian Center Liaison Deanna Maxwell
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AN OPEN LETTER TO WOMEN OF ALL AGES
Dear Ladies,
If you are a woman and you attend or are a member of the Oxford Presbyterian Church, you are a member of the Oxford Presbyterian Women (OPW). This is an inclusive group that requires no application or membership fees, and you belong to it by virtue of being a woman in our church!
If you are interested in small group Bible study and friendship, then you should seriously consider joining a Circle. There are presently two active Circles, which meet once a month, nine times a year. If you wish to inquire about joining the Tuesday evening Circle, you can call Karen Simpson at 523-8363 for details. If you are interested in joining the Tuesday afternoon Circle you can call either Prue Dana at 523-6579, or Lynn Cronk at 523-8574. (We have a lot of fun at these meetings!) If you would be interested in forming a new Circle with your friends, call Sue Wilson at 523-8848. The two active Circles will be using the Horizons Bible study this year with the topic "Who Is Jesus? What a Difference a Lens Makes".
OPW also is very involved in fund raising for mission. We have a Bed and Breakfast program for the parents of Miami students. We hold two rummage/Boutique sales each year and the cookie walk and craft sale in December. All proceeds go to local, regional, national, and international missions. Our OPW is the sponsor of the National Birthday Offering grant that is providing funds to build a new Bethesda Christian Community Center for our Sister Church, the Seventh Presbyterian Church in Barranquilla, Colombia.
In addition, OPW offers four gatherings each year that provide additional time for friendship. The fall gathering focuses on mission. The Christmas tea offers an interlude within the often hectic season and focuses on the "true meaning" of the season. The spring brunch focuses on multigenerational and fellowship activities. The June Retreat offers spiritual development as well as fun and fellowship.
OPW has a long historical significance. Before the sixties, women could not be clergy or Elders or Deacons. They formed Women's groups to raise money for mission. Now that women can participate in all forms of leadership within the Presbyterian Church, and are also holding down full-time jobs as well as managing the family, many do not see the need for women's groups. Many churches no longer have women's groups. The OPW still sees great value in Bible study, raising money for mission, and friendship gatherings. We hope that you will want to become more active in these endeavors as well.
Blessings to you,
Sue Wilson
OPW Moderator
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The answer to the question of the month: 12
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SEMINARY UPDATE
The Seminary building is undergoing major renovations this year and should be open for use by mid-August. Work completed so far includes stabilization of the roof trusses, the refurbishment of the stained glass windows on the second floor, and the removal of the sagging wood first floor and beams.
The mold smell is gone! The wood flooring and beams on the first floor were the source of the odor. The floor was replaced by filling in the space below with gravel and topping it with a very solid concrete floor.
Following stabilization of the building, Session appointed a Seminary finishing committee to complete the cleaning and finishing work necessary for the building to be used. They have been hard at work this summer bringing new life to the building.
In the process of removing the downstairs floor, it was discovered that the closet doors on the south wall of the fellowship hall covered up an entryway. This area has been opened up and French doors have been installed along with oak steps to create an attractive entrance into the fellowship hall much like we envision what was originally there. The fellowship hall and entrance areas will be so much more attractive with freshly painted walls and new carpeting.
The former women's bathroom is being refurbished to make it easier for people with a disability to use and a baby-changing table will be installed. The former men's bathroom will also have a fresh look. Each bathroom will become single occupancy and accessible to both men and women.
The kitchen has also undergone some major renovation. The walls have a new coat of white paint. New floor tiles give a bright and shiny look. The kitchen cabinets have been cleaned and with a fresh coat of paint, they will look like new. A new countertop will be installed, along with a double wall oven and a new commercial grade dishwasher that can wash dishes in a 2-minute cycle. There is a new glass block window over the kitchen sink.
The downstairs should be ready for use by mid-August. Upstairs, the refurbishment of the historic stained glass windows on the second floor is almost complete. The walls will be painted this fall - the transformation of the space should be amazing!
We have been blessed in finding just the right contractors who are willing to do this work for minimal cost and who take great pride in doing their best as well as hard-working volunteers. The Seminary building is being updated with loving care and appreciation for its historical significance.
Sue and Dave Wilson
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SESSION
June Session Happenings
Pastor Hart's contract has been renewed through October 8, 2016
Approval was given to conduct the worship service, and serve communion, at Hopewell Church next summer, on June 6, 2017
Jenn Burns resignation as youth director, as of July 31, 2016, was accepted.
Welcome Back Sunday will be on September 11, 2016.
Committee, headed by Kim Logsdon, is in the process of developing social media guidelines for OPC.
Jenny Bailer and Jenn Walter, representing the PNC, gave an update on the progress of the committee.
Session will not hold a regular meeting in July - next scheduled meeting will be August 16, 2016.
Judy Fisher
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Second Annual
Walk on for Autism
Saturday, September 24th
Benefitting the Equestrian Program at
SAFE HAVEN FARMS
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CHURCH SERVICES AT THE KNOLLS will resume in September
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Deadline for the September Newsletter is August 20, 2016
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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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AUGUST BIRTHDAYS
2 Tom Crist
3 John Bailer
3 Amanda Bommer
4 Mary Niehoff
4 Sydney Rollins
6 Mary Bachmann
8 Mel Derickson
8 Cornelia Browne
8 Carol Burkhalter
8 Amy Burke
9 Marjory Leflar
9 Louise Limper
11 Elaine Patterson
12 Amy McGoldrick
13 Janet Ziegler
13 Bryce James
13 Jason Okeoma
14 Peggy Harrington
14 June Sheard
14 Diane Young
15 Matthew Lykins
16 Robert Smith
17 Eileen Jeck
18 Robert Simpson
18 Elijah Walter
18 Lauren James
19 Marjorie Smith
19 Cameron Shriver
22 Norah Green
25 Peggy Hughes
26 Sarah Barr
26 Harrison Green
28 Ross Hunter
28 Isabel Lykins
29 Sandy Douglass
29 Jennifer Harvey
29 Rob Rollins
29 Katherine Curry
31 Isabel Shoker
AUGUST Apocrypha
August month celebrations include:
Admit You Are Happy, Audio Appreciation, Black Business, Cataract Awareness, Catfish, Children's Vision and Learning, Eye Exam, Family Fun, Get Ready for Kindergarten, Goat Cheese Happiness Happens, Back to School, Peach, National Picnic, Psoriasis Awareness, Romance Awareness Sandwich Month, Water Quality, and What Will Be Your Legacy
Aug 1 1981 - MTV debuted on cable television, actually playing music videos 24 hours a day.
Aug 2, 1937 - The Marihuana Tax Act of 1937 was passed in America, making marijuana and all its by-products illegal. (Gov. John Kasich signed a plan to legalize medical marijuana into law June 9, 2016 making Ohio the 25th state to approve its use.)
Aug 3, 1936 - Jesse Owens won the 100 meter dash, beating 'the world's fastest man' Ralph Metcalfe at the Berlin Olympics.
Aug 6, 1945 - Hiroshima, Japan was largely destroyed when the atomic bomb "Little Boy" was dropped by the B-29 Enola Gay.
Aug 6, 1950 Cindy Moeckel, my big sister was born. I was born on July 10, 1951, eleven months later. So from July 10 to August 6, "we're the same age!) (ed.)
Aug 20, 1882 - Tchaikovsky's 1812 Overture debuted in Moscow, Russia.
(with a bang, do doubt!)
Aug 21, 1961 - Motown released what would be its first #1 hit, "Please Mr. Postman" by The Marvelettes.
(wait, oh yes wait a minute, I remember that song)
Aug 30, 1967 - Thurgood Marshall was confirmed as the first African American Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States.
Can you buy an entire chess set in a pawn shop?.
Have you ever imagined a world with no hypothetical situations?
How come wrong numbers are never busy?
1 in every 4 Americans has appeared on television.
When did you? (I was on the Flippo the Clown show with my Bluebird troop-ed.)
Dachshunds were originally bred in 1600 to hunt dachs, which is German for badgers (cheers to Oscar)
There are four cars and eleven light posts on the back of a $10 dollar bill. (made you look)
Question of the month
How many sides does a dodecagon have? Look for the answer hidden somewhere in the newsletter. Scan it carefully!
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COMMUNITY
Now is the time to host an AFS high school exchange student! AFS seeks families like yours-curious about the world, interested in other cultures, reedy to build a life-long friendship with a high school exchange student. Students arrive with health insurance and spending money. Host families provide a bed, food and loving support. Students stay 1 semester or school year. Find more information by contacting Kristi Campbell:
513-867-8132
Talawanda High School needs host families for 2 brave girls from China. YOU can host Mengfan or Yifei. To find out more, contact Emily Martin
If OPC helps find a family, CCI Greenheart will donate $100 to the church.
(CCI Greenheart is a branch of Greenheart International, a nonprofit that connects people and planet to create global leaders through personal development, volunteer service, environmentalism, fair trade, and cultural exchange.)
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COMMUNITY ADULT DAY SERVICES
August is a time for picnics, vacations, fresh vegetable from the garden and MIAMI STUDENTS RETURNS! Please be very careful while driving around Oxford. Those first few weeks are very hectic.
We would like to express our deepest sympathies to our dear friend and client Marjorie Asher. Marge passed away July 3 unexpectedly and she will be greatly missed at the ADS.
We would like to thank Peggy Lewis for donating a patio table, chairs and umbrella to the ADS. We will put it too good use enjoying our garden. Your kindness is greatly appreciated!
We are looking for a volunteer that could come in and play the piano for us once or twice a month. We would love to sing a long if possible. If you are interested please contact Debbie at 523-0464
It is school supply season. If you are in the mood to shop and would like to donate any school supplies we sure could use construction paper, markers, dry erase markers, tennis balls, pencils, eraser caps, or just good ole gift cards. WE APPRECIATE ANY DONATION!
Debbie Curry
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Full Article
Thoughts About a New Pastor
Rev. Hart Edmonds
He can make your board meetings longer with prayer and Bible study. He can mess with your sense of familiarity by changing the order of worship and the arrangement of the sanctuary. He can play those strange new songs and forget about your favorite old hymns. He can keep on playing those crusty old hymns instead of that hot new contemporary praise music. He can bug you incessantly about more frequent celebration of Communion. He can ruin your perfectly balanced budget with appeals for more funds to be allocated toward mission and outreach. He can take up your precious evenings with kooky new book studies and meditation groups. He can take up your precious weekends with exhausting volunteer projects. He can keep on preaching and teaching that the church has to join God in the neighborhood, because God is busy there!
She can come off sounding like a Jesus freak evangelical, gushing on and on about the Bible and your personal relationship with God. She can come off sounding like a smells n' bells catholic, pontificating on and on about tradition and sacraments. She can come off sounding like a bleeding-heart liberal, prattling on and on about social justice and the need to constantly question old interpretations.
What can he do to grow your church? Nothing. There's nothing your pastor can do to make your church grow. He can't save your church. Your church already has a Savior and it's not her. He can push you. He can open doors. He can present you with opportunities. It's up to you to take advantage of them. He can plant seeds and water them. It's up to God to make them grow.
And what if that happens? What will growth look like? Will all those old, inactive members suddenly return? Will the pews be packed again? Will you need to start a second service and buy the lot next door in order to expand the parking lot? No. You might see a few new faces in the crowd. There won't be many of them. Some might stick around but most won't. Those who stay won't fit in with the old guard. They won't know about how you've always done it. They'll want to make changes of their own. Their new ideas will make you uncomfortable. Your church won't look or feel like it used to. You'll feel like you're losing control of this place that you've worked so hard to preserve. It will feel like your church is dying.
And that's just the thing. A growing church is a dying church. It has to be. It cannot be otherwise. The way to Easter Sunday goes through Good Friday. The way to the empty tomb goes through Golgotha. The way to resurrection goes through crucifixion. When Jesus told you to take up your cross and follow, did you expect it to lead anywhere else? What Jesus told us about himself is also true of churches: Unless a grain of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it bears no fruit.
But what if it doesn't work? What if you let your pastor do all that crazy stuff and nobody new shows up? What if the church still goes under? What if all that time you spend studying the Bible, expanding your horizons, deepening your spiritual life, and serving your community turns out to be time wasted? What if it does?
Tell you what: if that's what happens, if you commit yourself to all this and still feel like it was a waste of time in the end, then maybe your church really needed to die. You see, God has a mission in the world. And God's mission needs a church willing to die so that it can truly live in the power of the Spirit.
(Adapted from an article by J. Barrett Leein)
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Full Article
Thanks for Staffing
In the summer months, we are dependent on volunteers for staffing the nursery and preschool class who normally do not teach during the regular school year. This summer we have been especially blessed to have the following members so graciously teach our children. Special thanks go to the following: Rosemary Fisher, Bill Fisher, Katie Saylor, Margaret Butcher, Leanne Staley, Mary Shinn, Janet Ziegler, Amy McGoldrick, Karen Shearer, Cia Beal, Katie Curry, Marilyn Curry, Debbie DeGennaro, and Jenn Walter.
Once again Prue Dana and Katie Saylor represented Oxford Presbyterian Church to coordinate VBS with Faith Lutheran and Oxford United Methodist Church. VBS was held at Faith Lutheran and Prue and Katie were responsible for the art activity, which included science projects this year. Katie was also instrumental in set-up, registration, and coordinating donations. A huge thanks to Prue and Katie for their terrific work with Vacation Bible School.
Ice Cream Social the first Sunday of the New School Year at OPC on
August 21st
Classes begin on August 21. Debbie DeGennaro will teach the Preschool Class on August 21. Janet Holmes will begin teaching this class on the 28th . The K-2 Class will be taught by Deb Sayers and Sarah Miller. 3rd through 5th Grade Class will be taught by Jenn Walter (after the 21st taught by Lisa Gayhart with assistance from Jenn Walter and Leanne Staley). Middle Schoolers (6th - 8th) will be taught by Prue Dana and Katie Saylor.
This year the High Schoolers will be in worship and have a special fellowship time each week. Watch for more news about this opportunity for our teens.
Please join us in celebrating a new school year and enjoy some ice cream following the service.
Packets for College Students
Packets for College Students will be available beginning August 28th. Thank you to Debbie DeGennaro, Katie Saylor and Jenn Walter for preparing these packets. They will be distributed on August 28, September 4, September 11, and September 18. We welcome Miami Students to Oxford and invite them to worship with us.
Kick-Off Sunday for Youth and Parents
September 18 will be a special time for our teens to start a new year of fellowship, fun, study, and service. Watch for more information to follow.
Bible Breakfast
Please reserve Sunday, September 25 for the Bible Breakfast for our 3rd Graders and their families. They will be receiving Bibles at a breakfast before worship.
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2016-2017 Sunday School Schedule
August 21, 2016 - May 21, 2017
Nursery /Preschool
Open each Sunday that service is held in the Memorial building
Kindergarten/1st Grade: No Sunday school on the following dates:
(K-3 may attend preschool class)
12/25/2016 Christmas Break
1/1/2017 New Year's Day
2/19/ 2017 President's Week-end
4/16/2017 Easter
5/28/2017 Memorial Day Week-end
Materials will also be available for children in the sanctuary if they choose to stay in the service.
Elementary (3RD THRU 5TH) Middle School (6th - 8th) No Sunday School on the following Sundays:
10/2/16 World Communion Sunday
11/27/16 Thanksgiving Break
12/25/16 Christmas Break
1/1/2017 New Year's Day
2/19/2017 President's Day Week-end
4/16/2017 Easter Sunday
5/28/2017 Memorial Day Week-end
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Hello Everyone,
Normally everything slows down a bit for the summer, but for the youth who went on the mission trip their schedules have been very busy. Not only did they get to do amazing things on the mission trip like build handicap ramps, rebuild porches, and paint homes they also got to do things like sing in the choir during worship, talk in front of the entire camp about their God Sightings, dig into their faith during devotion time, hide from a tornado, eat some ice cream, and they made friends from across the country. Throughout the week the youth were able to dive into Acts 4:1-13 and talk about how God does EXTRAORIDNARY things through ordinary people, all the while turning them into EXTRAORIDNARY vessels through their hard work and through their faith.
Even though we all made it home June 25th, we have been working diligently on Mission Trip Sunday which was the 24th of July. The youth worked hard on speeches, collecting photos, planning the worship service and music and we want to take this time to thank everyone who helped make the trip and youth Sunday possible. Here are some of my favorite quotes from the youth speeches about the EXTRAORIDNARY things that happened on the trip: "God has made me Extraordinary by leading me on my faith journey to this church. Being a part of this church and this youth group has taught me how to be a leader and how to take a role in my own faith." -Jarred Havens "While working on cite I was able to make a connection with the resident of the home we were working on. Our Residents name was Phil and he shared with the group his love for collecting and putting together Model trains. When I had the chance to talk with Phil one on one I shared stories of growing up and visiting my Grandparents. While on these trips we would always recreate a photo of my Grandpa and I on the back of the same train. Phil after hearing the story showed me his private collection of trains that were his favorite, and on our free day Jarred and I searched the surrounding stores of the mall and found a train to add to his collection." -Chase Walter
"My God sighting for the week was getting to know my Resident, Mary Lou, who was dying of cancer. Mary Lou was always so giving, happy, and welcoming even through the hardship she was facing. She would tell all of us to remember to live every day to the fullest and be happy. This week has changed me because I now have the ability to see and listen to people and accept them for who they are." -Rori Lykins "One of the parts of the trip that was most memorable to me was when we were working on cite there were a group of kids that would come every day and bring us snacks. When we had a moment to talk to the kids we found out that they were too young to actually attend the work camp so they weren't able to help, but they thought that bringing snacks and water was a way that they could still help out." -Allyson Gayheart "My Resident's name was Paul and something that really impacted me this week was how much he cared about my crew as we worked to build a handicap ramp off of his porch. Paul would come out to visit with us even though he had lung issues and the heat made it hard for him to breath. It just goes to show you how much we impacted his life and how much he impacted ours." -Morgan Whitsell
Last but not least I want to take the time in this Newsletter to thank the Church and Congregation for giving me the oppurtinity not just to be a part of this mission trip, but for the oppurtunity to be a part of the church for the past six years. I have loved working with the youth and watching them live, love, and grow in their faith. These past years have truly been EXTRAORDINARY and I wouldn't change them for anything in this world. While I have had the priviledge to help the youth grow and learn they have also helped me in that same way. All I have ever wanted in life was to change lives, and I guess in a way that is one of the reasons I loved working with the youth, because it gave me that chance, but I was truly blessed in the fact that they also changed my life. Thank you again for everything you have done, through donations, chaperoning, kind words, and your love and dedication to the youth program. Without the support of the parents, the youth, and the congregation this program would not have developed into the amazing organization that it is.
Thank you for making the past six years EXTRAORDINARY,
Jenn Burns
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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: I used to work for H&R Block, but it was just too taxing.)
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