Volume 26, Issues 7&8 THELamplighterpiano accompaniment. After 17 years of leading the youth choirs, we ... learn, so please forgive me if I ask what your name is! As I reflect on

Our Leadership Team Pastor the Rev. D. Kerry Slinkard Clerk of Session Jane Trimble Deacons Moderator Andrew Arthur Director of Music Peter Slauch Organist Julie Allport Faith Community Nurse June Hoffman Director of Christian Education Stephen Doutrich Preschool Director Nicole Hartman Secretary Eryn Gallagher Secretary Lorraine Holton Sexton Clyde Prigg Treasurer Beth Keefer

Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path

THE

Our Vision Oxford Presbyterian Church is a family of Christians dedicated

to sharing the unconditional love of Jesus

Christ with the local and world communities.

Lamplighter O X F O R D P R E S B Y T E R I A N C H U R C H

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Table of Contents: Mission Team is Home ............ 1 Pastor’s Corner ....................... 2 Youth Choir ............................ 2 Volunteer Recognition ............ 3 Discourse from the Director.... 3 Outreach Ministry ................ 4-5 Learning Ministry .................... 6 VBS Recap ............................... 7 Apple Festival ......................... 7 Oxford Senior Center .............. 8 Healthy Living ......................... 9 July/August Birthdays ........... 10 July/August List of Events ..... 11

July/August 2013 Mission Team Is Home After Successful Trip By Lorraine Holton

We returned home from Cherokee, NC a little after 7:30 last Saturday evening (6/22). Everyone was tired and warm (the air conditioning in the bus died) however, we were all still pumped up after the experience we had the previous week. Our team (one of four at the TEAMeffort camp) was responsible for putting a new roof on a house on the top of a mountain. Because the roads were narrow, we couldn’t get our bus all the way to the house and that meant walking a quarter of a mile—straight up! On a previous mission trip I brought back a cat—this year I only brought back my trusty walking stick. It was my best friend!

Our homeowner’s name is Earl, and we all quickly became friends with this soft-spoken, shy man. He loves to tell jokes and stories about his family. He wrote the group a thank you note and prayed with us when we were ready to leave. Thursday was his birthday. We shared cupcakes with him and gave him a card signed by the whole group.

God has truly blessed us with an amazing group of young people. The way they worked with each other, supported each other, played with each other, prayed with each other, and faced the tough job they had to do was awe inspiring for me. Even Johanna, our TEAMeffort staff person, asked the group if they would be willing to stay the summer—she didn’t want them to leave.

I am so glad I was part of this team. It was hard on me physically, but spiritually I was filled to the brim. I strongly encourage all of you to consider going on a mission trip. Not only do you help out someone who needs you, but YOU are helped so much—even when you don’t know you need help.

There are tons of pictures of the trip available in various locations: Facebook, slide shows and church computer. Check them out!

Page 2 LAMPLIGHTER

IT’S NICE TO HAVE A HOME In this era of anti-institutionalism, the Church (individually and collectively) is bucking the trend by continuing to encourage becoming a member of a congregation. I recently was asked to contribute an article to a history of the Woodlands Community Presbyterian Church – my home church. I was a charter member of the congregation and the first of at least seven ministers who have gone to seminary from that congregation. They wanted me to write about “What does WCPC mean to me.” In the Presbyterian Church, ministers are not members of the congregation they serve, but members of the Presbytery. The congregation that sponsored them as they prepared for ministry remains their “home” congregation. In writing the article, I was drawn back to the many memories that have continued to shape my life and ministry. Even though it’s been over 25 years since I worshiped in The Woodlands, the tree that is my journey of faith still has deep roots there.

The exercise reminded me of how important a home church is. Because I have such strong ties to my own home church, I have always tried to honor that importance here at Oxford. Many of you have told me stories of times when OPC has provided a safe haven, or a purpose, or a foundation for you in good times and in difficult times. It would be great if you would be willing to share those stories with the congregation. Whether you have been a member here for all your life, or have just joined the church, your story is important. I’d like to have some opportunities for that either as a testimonial in worship or in the Lamplighter. I will be asking some of you to do just that in the coming weeks, so I hope you’ll think about it.

See you in church!

PEACE, Pastor Kerry

Our Youth Choirs End Another Joyful Season

The youth choirs recently wrapped up a busy choir season with a small but faithful group of students. We rehearsed on Wednesdays between September and May and sang and played bells during several 11:00 worship services, and at the Christmas Eve Family service. We finished our season on Mother’s Day with a number of special songs, bell pieces, and instrumental parts.

The youth choir directors thank the following 2013 choir members: Kaden Cave, Jack Ewing, Dustin Jones, Clare Slinkard, Yujie Slinkard, Lillie Spotts, Bennett Spotts and Hayley Allport. We recognize our eighth grade students, Bennett Spotts, and Hayley Allport for their years of choir participation which began in the Cherub Choir many years ago. We also thank Seth Allport and Walt Osborne for their frequent help with piano accompaniment.

After 17 years of leading the youth choirs, we have decided it is time to retire and “pass the torch” to a new individual or group of directors. We have enjoyed the privilege of helping young people to lead the music of the church and will continue to keep the youth choir program in our thoughts and prayers.

Peace, Julie Allport, Beth Keefer, Dave Keefer

Volume 26, Issues 7&8 Page 3

Soon it will be one year since I joined the staff here at OPC. What an incredible journey it has been! I have enjoyed getting to know so many of you and working alongside the teachers and helpers in our Learning Ministry. I realize that I still have many names to learn, so please forgive me if I ask what your name is!

As I reflect on this past year, I am so grateful for your prayers on my behalf and also for the Learning Ministry. Please keep praying for me, the teachers and helpers in our Learning Ministry. I am convinced that prayer enables us to be effective in teaching people the precious Word of God and helping them to use it in their lives.

As I look ahead to the new school year, I am excited about the opportunity to impact children and adults through the teaching of the Bible. Please join me in praying that I may have discernment to know how to best accomplish this. I want our Learning Ministry to have a lasting impact on people. I want people to look forward to teaching and learning about God and the Bible. I want our classes to be fun and at the same time, spiritually challenging.

Thanks so much for helping to make my first year at OPC a good one. Let’s pray and trust God that this next year is even better!!

Discourse from the Director

Steve Doutrich

Steve

OPC Members Receive Recognition from Oxford

Education Foundation

Nicole Hartman receives Pepper Award for helping with the Mileage Program at School

Ali Verbanas receives Pepper Award for Volunteering

Woody Hartgrove receives RSVP Award for Tutoring for 11 yrs.

Page 4 LAMPLIGHTER

Missions We Support

Local

Neighborhood Services Center . $8,140 Oxford Senior Center ............ $1,200 Domestic Violence Center

of Chester County ........... $1,300 Lighthouse Youth Center ....... $2,020 Meeting Ground .................. $1,000 Miscellaneous Local Mission .... $8,320 Christmas Food Boxes ........... $3,450 Community Meal ................. $2,000 Onesimus Ministries ............... $880 American Cancer Society ......... $500

Beyond our Area

Presbyterian Coffee Project Mthatha Presbytery Good News for India ............. $1,320 Church World Service ........... $2,500 Ten Thousand Villages .......... $3,500

Missions with the Larger Church

Per Capita (sent to Presbytery) ............................... $12,398

Basic Mission Support/to Presbytery ................................. $6,000

Theological Education Fund/to Presbytery .................... $3,500

One Great Hour of Sharing ..... $2,400 Pentecost Offering ................ $600 Peacemaking Offering (75%) ..... $900 Christmas Joy Offering .......... $1,600

RELAY FOR LIFE on June 21/22

OPC’s Team: Andrea Evans, Gene Turns, Teressa Verkamp, Jen Horton, and kids

Kid’s Silent Auction Bev and Mary, Judges for Best Tent

Luminaries and Jackie Caleb and Special Moon Andrea Evans


“Least of These” One of our oldest missions. In the Church Narthex you will see a basket where canned goods, non-perishable items, and cleaning and toiletry supplies may be donated. We also have a wagon by the front door. Neighborhood Services Center is meeting the growing needs of the community.

Let’s collect 3,000 pounds of food in 2013!! We are at 778 lbs. now, thanks to your generosity!

Jesus said, “Whenever you did this for one of the least of these, my brothers, you did it for me.”

Collecting Children’s Shoes and Boys Jeans for the

Neighborhood Thrift Shop

Sizes 1 thru 9 New or Gently used

ALSO NEEDED BOYS JEANS size 4-16

DROP BOX BY CHURCH OFFICE

Community Meal

Hosts: July-Outreach Ministry August-Worship Ministry

It is free and open to everyone.

Currently we are feeding about 80 each evening. Join us on July 28 and August 25 at 5:30-7 P.M. for good food and fellowship. We need hosts for September, November and December.

The Presbyterian Coffee Project offers a special link between

congregations and communities around the world. Churches can now reach out to neighbors overseas not only with the prayers and offerings we give, but with the goods and products we purchase.

Emergency Cleanup Buckets Report

It looks like we will have 16 buckets to deliver to Church World Service Headquarters in New Windsor, Maryland. Our congregation is a caring and supportive group, thanks be to God. That is $800 of supplies to help those who have experienced disasters in the U.S.

Conference

August 1-3, 2013, Louisville, KY: The Big Tent is a gathering of ten national conferences, including Compassion, Peace and Justice Conference. Look it up at www.presbyterianmission.org/bigtent.

SAVE THESE DATES

Apple Festival is September 28 and Outreach Committee will be selling coffee, tea, and cards. Help is needed.

CROP WALK is October 20 so look forward to walking for hunger.

BUY GOOD COFFEE FOR A GOOD CAUSE THE 1st

SUNDAY OF EACH MONTH.

Page 6 LAMPLIGHTER

Do you love little cute babies? I know many of you do!! WHICH IS GREAT because we need some help to care for

these little cute babies in the nursery on Sunday mornings!! Please

contact Tricia Barlow or Steve. With more babies on the way, we want to be prepared to care for these precious little gifts from God so their parents can enjoy the Worship Service. Thanks for volunteering!!

Learning Ministry

Would You Help In the Learning Ministry? By Steve Doutrich

Soon I will be putting together our teaching staff for Sunday School and Adventure Club. Would you please consider how you can be involved? To impact a life with the Word of God is one of the most fulfilling ministries you can have. Isaiah 55:10-11 tells us that the Word of God always makes an impact on a person. Wouldn’t it be thrilling to be part of God’s plan for change in another person’s life?

If you are thinking about teaching or are remotely interested, please let me know, I will help to train and equip you to be effective and successful. We always need more teachers for children and adults. I would like to add another adult class this Fall as well as add another class for youth. I would also like to expand the Adventure Club program to include nights for a girls-only and a boys-only class.

I have ideas for the Learning Ministry in the Fall, but will need ministry volunteers to make it happen. If you have any ideas for the Learning Ministry, please let me know. I am always looking for ways to improve and expand our ministry. This past year it was suggested that we start an evening Bible study for adults, so we did! Your ideas will be carefully considered!


The Everywhere Fun Fair was a great success because of the many people who volunteered to help. The Community Preschool teachers volunteered to run The Everywhere Fun Fair VBS for the preschool students on June 3-4-5. Fifty-two students from the preschool attended the three-day VBS.

The Everywhere Fun Fair VBS for the church and community was held on June 9-13. There were 44 students enrolled for the VBS. Many thanks to those who volunteered!!

2013 Oxford Presbyterian Church Vacation Bible School

Page 8 LAMPLIGHTER

Apple Festival 2013 SEPTEMBER 1989

The devastating fire that destroyed our old church building did not cause us to throw in the towel (so to speak). In fact, plans began to be made for building a new facility as soon as possible. Many decisions had to be made: should we move to a new location?, what kind of building would we need? One thing we knew - funding would be a top priority. So, the reason for the date at the top of this article -- the very first Apple Festival took place on the last Saturday of that month. It proved so successful that it has become a tradition. We hope this year’s festival will be just as successful, if not more so, than the past twenty-three.

WE NEED HELP!!!!! Pick the area where you can help and sign up. The current chair people are listed.

1. Set up and clean up - 7 A.M. and 3 P.M. (need a chairperson) 2. Food booth and pie table - 10 A.M. to 3 P.M. (see Patty McComsey or Sally Tipton) 3. Beverage booth - 10 A.M. to 3 P.M. (need a take-charge person or group here) 4. Apple Butter - paring, stirring and jarring on Wednesday and/or Saturday (see Vern Ringler

or Donna Krauss) 5. Bake Table (Judy Kamp) 6. Cider and Apple Sales (the King Family) 7. Silent Auction (Bonnie Rhodes)

If you are interested in booking a space to sell your crafts, etc. Lorraine can set you up; stop or call the office and talk to her.

Oxford Area Senior Center Where fun and friendships begin

12 East Locust Street ● Oxford, PA 19363 (610) 932-5244

[email protected] www.oxfordseniors.org

Do you or someone you know need a nutritious noon-time meal?

The Oxford Area Senior Center offers a noon-time meal (your choice of hot or cold) for senior citizens over 60 years old. These meals not only taste great but also meet all of the nutritional requirements of the Department of Aging. A three (3) day advance reservation is required, and a confidential donation of $2.00 per meal is requested. Our center serves over 5,000 nutritious meals each year to senior residents of Southern Chester County. Please call or stop by the Center for menu selections and to reserve your lunch.

Please call or email us if you would like to receive our monthly newsletter containing our daily menus and all of the activities, programs and services available to seniors.

The Oxford Area Senior Center is accessible to all Chester County senior residents by the Rover (Paratransit) senior bus service. For more information on Rover, please contact us.


Prevent Eye Injuries from Fireworks! Fireworks and celebrations go together, especially during the Fourth of July, but Prevent Blindness America warns that there is no safe way for nonprofessionals to use fireworks. It is only safe to enjoy the splendor and excitement of fireworks at a professional display. According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, fireworks are involved in thousands of injuries treated in U.S. hospital emergency rooms each year.

Most fireworks injuries occur during the one month period surrounding the Fourth of July. Fireworks devices were involved in an estimated 9,600 injuries treated in U.S. hospital emergency rooms in 2011, based on the 2011 Fireworks Annual Report from the Consumer Product Safety Commission (June 26, 2012). An estimated 6,200 injuries were treated in hospital emergency rooms during the one-month period surrounding the Fourth of July (June 17-July 17).

Of the fireworks-related injuries sustained, 68 percent were to males, and 32 percent were to females. Children younger than 15 years of age accounted for approximately 26 percent of the estimated 2011 injuries. Thirty-six percent of the estimated emergency department-treated, fireworks-related injuries were individuals younger than 20 years of age. Do not let children play with fireworks.

Do not purchase, use or store fireworks of any type

Prevent Blindness America supports the development and enforcement of bans on the importation, sale and use of all fireworks, except those used in authorized public displays by licensed operators, as the only effective means of eliminating the social and economic impact of fireworks-related trauma and damage.

If an accident does occur, minimize the damage to the eye by following these six steps...

Do not rub the eye. Rubbing the eye may increase bleeding or make the injury worse.

Do not attempt to rinse out the eye. This can be even more damaging than rubbing.

Do not apply pressure to the eye itself. Holding or taping a foam cup or the bottom of a juice carton to the eye are just two tips. Protecting the eye from further contact with any item, including a child's hand, is the goal.

Do not stop for medicine! Over-the-counter pain relievers will not do much to relieve pain. Aspirin (should never be given to children) and ibuprofen can thin the blood, increasing bleeding. Take the victim to the emergency room at once - this is more important than stopping for a pain reliever.

Do not apply ointment. Ointment, which may not be sterile, makes the area around the eye slippery and harder for the doctor to examine.

Do not let a child play with fireworks, even if his/her friends are setting them off. Sparklers burn at 1800 degrees Fahrenheit and bottle rockets can stray off course or throw shrapnel when they explode.

REF: http://midatlantic.preventblindness.org/prevent-eye-injuries-fireworks, retrieved 7 June 2013.

Page 10 LAMPLIGHTER

1 Sheri Arroyo 1 Robert Cantarera 2 Olivia Nelles 3 Michelle Taylor 3 Julia Hartman 3 Jacob Holmes 4 Jan Sisemore 5 Paul Templin Ashford 6 Anne Bailey 7 Missy Sarver 7 Elijah Albrecht 9 Audrey Neyman 9 Elyse Baccino 11 Sarah Kelso 12 Alan Pugh 12 Andy Arthur

12 Abby Busko 12 Conner Quigley 13 Mikayla DiFabrizio 13 Hannah Northrup 15 Colin Barlow 15 Cora Terry 16 Andrea Evans-Ralston 17 Sandy Slauch 17 Debbie Waltman 18 Nancy Thomson 18 Laura King 19 Kris Gerling 19 Cassidy Colmary 21 Kasey Busko 22 John Kraybill 23 Marsha Grier

23 Dennis Tierney 23 Laura Wilson 25 Wendell Higgins 25 Bruce Van Kleeck 26 Eleanor Inforzato 26 Jim Sumner 26 Hugh Wyles 27 Lorraine Vines 27 Diana Albrecht 27 Emily Walsh 29 Teresa Duppel 30 Beth MacMillan 31 Kristen Tozzo 31 Cindy Shrom 31 Braydon Ringler-Friedrich

If yours or a loved one’s birthday does not appear in our lists, please contact the office. We’d love to include you in

our well wishes.

1 Susannah Atkinson 3 Marguax Elters 4 Beverly Hartgrove 4 Leon Slauch 5 Millie Loughhead 6 Wayne Waltman 7 Arlene Singleton 7 Cameron Gentile 8 Jason Chimchirian 9 Chase Gallagher 10 Molly Esposito 12 Kevin Colmary 14 Eryn Gallagher Richards 14 Gene Richards 15 Connie Winchester

15 Connor Verkamp 16 Joyce Ray 16 Amy Jones 16 Erin Semple 17 Lisa Crawford 17 Anne Jennings 18 Fran Jackson 18 Elizabeth Evans-Ralston 19 Walt Montgomery, Jr. 19 Zoe Zenker 20 Adam Walsh 21 Kaitlyn Crawford 22 Megan Gane 23 Don Flessner 23 Megan Randall

23 Nadiene Ringler-Friedrich 24 Jim Abel 24 Kolby Colmary 26 Harold Walls 27 Judy Kamp 27 Connor Ruth 27 Landon Ruth 28 Dotty Philips 28 Kathy Stullken 28 Dylan Adams 29 Ashley Whiteman 31 Connie Slauch 31 Dustin Jones

Many Thanks for all that the congregation of the church has done for our family. The Montgomery Family

My family greatly appreciate all the caring and kindness the women (of OPC) have given to Jackie, her sons, relatives, and friends. Many heartfelt thanks, Janet E. Montgomery (Walter ’s mother)


1 NO LECTIONARY BIBLE STUDY

2 10a-1p Family Literacy–Children’s Church Room and Parlor

4:15p LHLW-Library

7p POMS – Parlor

3 10:30a Office Staff Meeting

4 JULY 4th HOLIDAY – OFFICE CLOSED

5 6:30p NA Clean and Serene-Sonshine Room

6 9:30-10:30a ACE Anti-Human Trafficking Alliance-Oxford Library

7 8:15 & 11a Worship

9 10a-1p Family Literacy—Children’s Church Room and Parlor

8:30a-4p Women, Infants & Children-FH

4:15p LHLW-Library

10 8:30-11p Movies in the Park-Oxford Memorial Park


14 8:15 & 11a Worship—COMMUNION

9:30a Adult Sunday School Class–Bride’s Parlor

7p Session Meeting

16 8:30a-4p Women, Infants & Children-FH

17 9a-4p DCE Meeting—Youth Group Rm.


21 8:15 & 11a Worship

9a & 12p Financial Committee Mid-Year Update

12p Deacons’ Meeting-Library


8:30a-4p Women, Infants & Children-FH


28 8:15 & 11a Worship–Blood Pressure Readings After Both Services

5:30-7p Community Meal



2-4p Praise Band Practice–Sanctuary

2 2-4p Praise Band Practice–Sanctuary

6:30p NA Clean and Serene–Sonshine Room

4 8:15 & 11a Worship–COMMUNION

1p Leon Slauch’s 90th Birthday Party–FH

2-4p Praise Band Practice–Sanctuary

5 Pastor Kerry leads Worship at Ware Presbyterian Village

6 4:15p LHLW–Library


9 6:30p NA Clean and Serene–Sonshine Room

11 8:15 & 11a Worship–COMMUNION

12-6p Second Presbyterian Church Princess Academy–FH

7p Session Meeting

12 Youth Group Trip to Ocean City, NJ

13 8:30a-4p Women, Infants & Children–FH

4:15p LHLW–Library


8:30-11p Movies in the Park-Oxford Memorial Park

18 8:15 & 11a Worship

12p Deacons’ Meeting–Library

20 8:30a-4p Women, Infants & Children–FH



24 9-11a Clothing Exchange–FH

25 8:15 & 11a Worship–Blood Pressure Readings After Both Services

3p Worship Committee

5:30-7p Community Meal

27 1-8p Red Cross Blood Drive–FH



6:30p NA Clean and Serene–Sonshine Room

Key: FH = Fellowship Hall LHLW = Living Healthy Living Well

July 2013 Events August 2013 Events

Oxford Presbyterian Church

6 Pine Street

Oxford, PA 19363

Return Service Requested The Lamplighter

Our Session

The Session meets the second Sunday of each month at 7:00 P.M.

Our Deacons

The Deacons meet the third Sunday of the month after the 11:00 service

Class of 2013 Class of 2014 Class of 2015

Whitney Bradford Joe Bauer Barbara Hill Kay Atkinson Bill Gundrum Elizabeth King Vivian Brown Don MacMillan Charles Lewis

Rich Lombardi Bruce VanKleeck Bonnie Rhodes Dotty Philips Hal Walls David Sauer

Mark Verbanas Charlie Wichhart Rebecca Zundel Tanner Smith (Youth)

Class of 2013 Class of 2014 Class of 2015

Andy Arthur Lisa Claypoole Lisa Koza

Lisa Slinkard Alberta Gehron Cristina Tackett

Neeley Spotts Charlie Stoltzfus (vacant)

Judy Walls Teressa Verkamp (vacant)

Emma Spotts (Youth)

6 Pine Street Oxford, PA 19363

OXFORD PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

Phone: 610-932-9640 Fax: 610-932-0863

E-mail: [email protected]

Our Web Page:

http://www.oxfordpresbyterian.org

Volume 26, Issues 7&8

Documents

Volume 26, Issues 7&8 THELamplighterpiano accompaniment. After 17 years of leading the youth choirs, we ... learn, so please forgive me if I ask what your name is! As I reflect on