Oxford Presbyterian Church

August 15, 2020

How very good and pleasant it is when kindred live together in unity! (Psalms 133:1)

The consequent pressures and stresses that this pandemic has brought upon our culture has made differences among us more likely to cause divisions among us. There is any myriad of reasons for this, but isolation is a key factor. Without the nourishment that relational bonds receive simply by encountering one’s community or one’s public, trust across the board suffers. The church’s simple witness of loving one another, loving neighbor, and loving enemy is a critical demonstration of trust amid an era of mistrust. The world needs to know that differences can be celebrated instead of being divisive, and that people can trust one another. May we continue to be generous with our affections amid this season of pandemic.

Our live-streamed worship will again being broadcast from the sanctuary on Sunday via Facebook Live. Worship begins at 10:00 a.m. If you have a computer or tablet or smartphone with an internet connection, you should be able to receive the stream. You do not need to have a Facebook account to participate. Our stream appears on the church’s Facebook page which is here à  https://www.facebook.com/Oxford-Presbyterian-Church-152011345379561/. If you miss the broadcast, the service will remain on our Facebook page for the next several days. If you have prayer requests or announcements, please email them to me (opcpastor@ncrrbiz.com) or text them to me (919-323-7192) and they will be included in the worship.

Our worship is also being broadcast on WCBQ 1340 on the AM radio dial at 3 p.m. on Sundays! If you are not a computer hound, then the radio broadcast of our worship is an easy way to listen in and participate. If you know of someone in our community that does not do computers or finds them frustrating to use, please let them know of this alternative. Thank you.

The Sunday worship bulletin will appear in your emailbox late Saturday evening or early Sunday morning, complete with hymns and sermon so that you may have your own house-church worship. Worship is always critical, but especially at a time like this. Our faithful witness in this difficult time and world is nourished by lifting our hearts to the Lord. As always, you can listen to sermons through our website right here à https://oxfordpres.org/media/#sermons, and at The Oxford Exchange, found here à http://theoxfordexchange.blubrry.net/.

Our website, www.oxfordpres.org, has calendars, newsletters, the OPC WEEKLY, sermons, and even ways to give your offerings (right here à https://oxfordpres.org/give/). It is a great resource in times like these.

Oxford Presbyterian Church also 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.

Here is our schedule for the week:

11^th Sunday after Pentecost, August 16, 2020:

Scripture readings: Romans 11:1-36

Sermon title: “Do not be proud, but stand in awe”

9:00 a.m. – Pennies for Hunger and ACIM contributions “drive-by” drop-off at the church

10:00 a.m. – Worship via Facebook Live. The stream can be found at https://www.facebook.com/Oxford-Presbyterian-Church-152011345379561/

3:00 p.m. – Worship broadcast on WCBQ 1340 AM

We are in the midst of a congregation meeting that began last Sunday for the sake of electing our nominating committee. Our slate of nominees are: Paul Shelton and Judy Miller (representing the Session), Herb Morton (representing Presbyterian Men), Lindsay Miller (representing the Sunday School), and Ellen Gould (representing Presbyterian Women). Please email me at opcpastor@ncrrbiz.com or text me at 919-323-7192 with your vote. Thanks.

Mission of the Month – This month, our emphasis continues to be Backpack Buddies, an ongoing mission that sends food home on weekends with kids who depend on school meals for nourishment. The food is distributed through ACIM, and the ministry will continue to help kids whether school is in person or online.

Announcements:

• 16^th – 9:00 a.m. – Pennies for Hunger and ACIM contributions “drive-by” drop-off at the church

As you can see above, we will be collecting Pennies for Hunger and ACIM contributions out in front of the church along Gilliam on Sunday the 16^th at 9 a.m. Take the opportunity to go by and participate while also saying hello to those at the collection station. On Thursday, we collected 79 pounds of food, along with lots of pennies and donations. Please come Sunday morning by if you didn’t get the opportunity on Thursday.

The book club will resume on August 23^rd. We are in the midst of determining what we will read next.

Happy Birthday to: Moo Yancey – August 16^th; Jessi Newcomb – August 17^th; Ellen Gould – August 20^th

Our dear friend Diane Heath passed away on Wednesday at the Brantwood Nursing and Rehab Center after a brief illness. Her memorial service will take place when we are able to gather together once again.

Prayers for: Becky and Isabella Baird, Betty Baynes, Michael Boyd, Ann Currin, Larry Delfs, Linda and Mike Diamond, Randy Downey, Julie Gaydon, Marlene Grenier, Fred Heath, Anne Heck, Hannah Hobgood, Sue Huggins, Carole, Jackson, Cotina Jones, Barbara Laurent, Carlis Laws, Donnie Messer, Stacy Messer, Ally Milton, Adrienne Morton, Will Newcomb, Greg and Dottie Price, Mike Reavis, Kay Rigg, Lynn Stone, Kathy Webb, and Alice Evans Woodlief. Let us also be praying for the family and friends of Diane Heath, especially her husband Fred, as they mourn her passing.

¹ How very good and pleasant it is
when kindred live together in unity!
² It is like the precious oil on the head,
running down upon the beard,
on the beard of Aaron,
running down over the collar of his robes.
³ It is like the dew of Hermon,
which falls on the mountains of Zion.
For there the Lord ordained his blessing,
life forevermore. (Psalms 133 NRSV)

All blessings in Christ,

Alan

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