Oxford Presbyterian Church

April 2, 2020

Greetings everyone,

Finally, beloved, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is pleasing, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence and if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. (Philippians 4:8)

Paul wrote the above words to the Philippian congregation during a season of uncertainty and anxiety in their lives. He knew that unfavorable circumstances could affect the life of a church, especially if they got caught up in the difficulties they faced to such a degree that they would forget their Lord and what he had done for them. And therefore Paul encouraged the church to see things in the world around them with an awareness of the gifts that God was always giving them. He was not asking them to live as if reality was la-la land, and therefore be indifferent to the challenges of life and faith in this world. Rather, Paul wanted them to always see the world through the eyes of faith—to see grace at work even when the world seemed most dark.

I confess I probably need Paul’s exhortation at least two, maybe three, times a day. I need to be reminded that in a pandemic where hopeful news of the end in sight seems ever so elusive, God is every bit as much present and active as he ever was. It is easy to let the torrent of information make us forget this is a world that God loves and rules in and through Jesus Christ. Think about truth, beauty, and goodness, Alan. Think about the heavenly gifts all around!

As before, we continue our ministry of social distancing for the sake of loving one another. Such ministry is consistent with what the church has done before when plagues and pestilence has visited states and communities. It is the severe mercy that we extend to one another right now. As always, your elders keep abreast of all policy updates that have material impact upon our life as a community and do so in all faith and humility.

As promised last week, we will be mailing out to you a packet of worship and devotional materials for Holy Week. Again, I urge you to receive them and to utilize them with the knowledge that your sisters and brothers in Christ at OPC are sharing in the same worship and the same devotions—that we all share in one another because we share in the same Lord. We are still united with one another because Jesus Christ mediates all of our relationships. Be looking for it coming to you via both snail mail and email.

Keep praying, keep calling, keep loving. God gives us everything we need to continue to be the Oxford Presbyterian Church while absent with each other in body, and I am more convinced than ever that little things like calls, texts, and letters are the foundational ministry of any and every church.

Do remember that our website, www.oxfordpres.org, is always there. It has calendars, newsletters, the OPC WEEKLY, sermons, and even ways to give your offerings (right here à https://oxfordpres.org/give/).

Regarding offerings, Oxford Presbyterian Church now has an offerings drop-box situated next to the door on the back side of the church at the top of the ramp if you want to drop off an offering. Or, you can mail offerings to Oxford Presbyterian Church, P.O. Box 652, Oxford, NC 27565. They will be collected and deposited.

Sermons can be listened to through our website right here à https://oxfordpres.org/media/#sermons, and at The Oxford Exchange, found here à http://theoxfordexchange.blubrry.net/.

The final lesson in our Annual Lenten Bible Study, Soft Hearts in a Hard World: A Study of 1 Thessalonians, is attached to this email as a PDF file. I have loved this little letter of Paul’s to this church. It has been much needed soul food for me and I hope you have found Paul’s words nourishing as well.

Our worship bulleting for this coming Sunday will be emailed to you Saturday evening.

Here is our schedule for the week:

Palm Sunday, April 5, 2020:

Scripture reading: John 12:1-19

Sermon Title: “The Revaluation of Everything”

Mission of the Month – Our monthly mission emphasis for April is the One Great Hour of Sharing. The offerings are used for disaster assistance, hunger relief, and for the development of poverty-ridden communities. Online gives can be made here à https://specialofferings.pcusa.org/make-a-gift/gift-info/oghs/.

Announcements:

• None

Prayers for: Becky and Isabella Baird, Michael Boyd, Ann Currin, Linda and Mike Diamond, Randy Downey, Julie Gaydon, Diane and Fred Heath, Hannah Hobgood, Sue Huggins, Barbara Laurent, Carlis Laws, Will Newcomb,  Greg and Kellie Price,  Kathy Webb

Happy Birthday to: Jessica Sharon – 6^th; Nick Jackson – 8^th

God is our refuge and strength,
a very present help in trouble.
Therefore we will not fear, though the earth should change,
though the mountains shake in the heart of the sea;
though its waters roar and foam,
though the mountains tremble with its tumult.

There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God,
the holy habitation of the Most High.
God is in the midst of the city; it shall not be moved;
God will help it when the morning dawns.
The nations are in an uproar, the kingdoms totter;
he utters his voice, the earth melts.
The Lord of hosts is with us;
the God of Jacob is our refuge.

Come, behold the works of the Lord;
see what desolations he has brought on the earth.
He makes wars cease to the end of the earth;
he breaks the bow, and shatters the spear;
he burns the shields with fire.
“Be still, and know that I am God!
I am exalted among the nations,
I am exalted in the earth.”
The Lord of hosts is with us;
the God of Jacob is our refuge. (Psalm 46 NRSV)

All blessings in Christ,
Alan

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