Spring is finally here! If you’re like me you are grateful that winter is behind you and you can now look forward to blooming flowers, longer days and warmer temperatures.

The cold and snowy conditions of winter restrict our mobility, keep us inside and force us to be less active. When spring comes our neighbors start appearing in their yards again. Children are playing out-of-doors instead of being glued to the television. Snow blowers will soon be replaced with lawn mowers.

Spring is the time when we plant seeds in anticipation of crops, flowers, vegetables and greener lawns. Its hard work but many enjoy getting their hands dirty and mixing in a little fertilizer to enhance the things we plant.

I always find it amazing how those little seeds that God created can be transformed into beautiful flowers and mouth-watering vegetables. No matter what we plant there will be a waiting period. Meanwhile we pray for just the right amount of rain, the right soil conditions and warm weather to make the seeds grow.

I believe our faith is very much like the seeds we plant. Our faith has to be constantly nurtured, cultivated and it needs to experience the right conditions in order for it to be strong.

I was really glad to see so many folks gather at the church on Palm Sunday and Easter. We had a record number of young adults and children. Perhaps people are realizing the importance of receiving nurture for their faith.

However, just as you can’t rely on a single raindrop to grow a plant, neither can you rely on one Sunday a year to build your faith. The Easter story is the all-time favorite of most people but it is only one chapter in the life of Jesus.

The journeys of Jesus took him to many different places and he encountered a wide variety of people. One of his great lessons was the parable of the seed and the sower. (Mark 4:3-9)

“Listen! A sower went out to sow. And as he sowed, some seed fell on the path, and the birds came and ate it up. Other seed fell on the rocky ground, where it did not have much soil, and it sprang up quickly, since it had no depth of soil. And when the sun rose, it was scorched; and since it had no root, it withered away. Other seed fell among the thorns, and the thorns grew up and choked them, and they yielded no grain. But, other seed fell into good soil and brought forth grain, growing up and increasing and yielding thirty and sixty and a hundredfold.”

To be people of faith we need that good soil. Regular worship, bible study, prayer, fellowship and activity in the life of the church are all essential for us to yield fruit. I hope you will take advantage of everything your church has to offer so your faith will blossom with great beauty and produce in abundance.
Blessings and peace,
Dr. Keith Wagner

Church Council Highlights
The Christian Education Task Force Committee at present is composed of Jackie Deatherage, chairperson; Jenny Coverstone, Pam Holloway, Heather Goubeaux, and Andrea Day.

Remaining money in stained glass window repair fund will be put into a short-term C.D.

Thanks go to Steve Ferree and Fred Santo for women’s restroom improvements and to Tom Thompson and Darrin Day for snow removal during the March 8th storm weekend.

New keys to the church will be available for designated persons by April 1.

Communion will be held on Maundy Thursday. Jon and Lisa Geuy have volunteered to be chairpersons for the Easter brunch.

Donations totaling $300.00 were given at the January Soup and Cobbler Luncheon to be sent to Jayne Russell serving at missionary in the Ukraine.

Since Pentecost Sunday falls on Mother’s Day, May 11, it will be celebrated instead on May 18.

Treasurer report for February
Income $11,001.48, Expenses $15,584.77
Submitted by Kent Smith
Council Recording Secretary

From our Congregation
Michael Seeger, 18, of Sidney, has been honored for his exemplary volunteer service with a state-level Certificate of Excellence from the 2008 Prudential Spirit Community Awards program. Michael was nominated for this award by Sidney High School, where he is a senior.

Michael is the son of Randy and Lisa Seeger.

Sidney American Legion announced that Chase Rossman has been selected as a delegate to the Ohio American Legion Buckeye Boys State. He is one of nine boys that will attend Boys State on June 14th to 22nd at Bowling Green State University.

THE ROCK
To my friends at St. Paul’s United Church of Christ,

Many times when driving up Ohio Avenue I glance up and notice the grandiose nature of our “Church on the Hill.” I always notice the beautiful stone masonry and reflect back on my childhood days when I compared it to the Greatstone Castle. At that point in my life, I had not considered that my life’s journey would bring me to St. Paul’s as the organist and later to the Greatstone Castle for my wedding dinner.

Many times, Keith chooses hymns about the “Solid Rock” for our services. I know as a young person I always loved that particular hymn. I’m not sure why, but the mere comparison of faith to a rock seemed a very real thought to a young person.

The winding steps located in the front grassy area of St. Paul’s appear to be a journey through life while the stained glass windows rise above the landscape in their beauty and majesty especially when lit in the evening.

The “Silent Strength” that St. Paul’s emits to the community from up on the “Hill” is there. Although, we are not the largest congregation in the area, the stone church on Ohio Avenue has to be a landmark in the area for many to see and remember. I still have fond memories of bringing my Central Elementary kids and teachers for a visit and concert. They still talk about my stone church “UP” by the castle.

In closing, I have had many community and family members tell me that they listen religiously to the St. Paul’s radio show before they attend their own faith denomination. I’m glad that we have the 7:30 AM radio slot as it is handy for me to listen, as well. Even though we may never see these people come through our church doors, I still feel that we are doing a great job in reaching to others. We are a ROCK to the community.
Your Organist,
Jen Billing-Martz

The Fern and the Bamboo
One day I decided to quit.... I quit my job, my relationship, my Spirituality. I wanted to quit my life. I went to the woods to have one last talk with God.

"God", I said, "Can you give me one good reason not to quit?"

God’s answer surprised me. "Look around", God said. "Do you see the fern and the bamboo?" "Yes," I replied.

"When I planted the fern and the bamboo seeds, I took very good care of them. I gave them light. I gave them water. The fern quickly grew from the earth. Its’ brilliant green covered the floor. Nothing came from the bamboo seed, but I did not quit on the bamboo. In the second year the fern grew more vibrant and plentiful. And again, nothing came from the bamboo seed. But I did not quit on the bamboo."

God said. "In the third year, there was still nothing from the bamboo seed. But I would not quit. In the fourth year, again, there was nothing from the bamboo seed. But I would not quit."

God said. "Then in the fifth year a tiny sprout emerged from the earth. Compared to the fern it was seemingly small and insignificant. But just six months later the bamboo rose to over 100 feet tall. It had spent those five years growing roots. Those roots made it strong and gave it what it needed to survive. I would not give any of my creations a challenge they could not handle."

God said to me, "Did you know, my child, that all this time you have been struggling, you have actually been growing roots? I would not quit on the bamboo and I will never quit on you. Don't compare yourself to others."

Then God said, "The bamboo had a different purpose than the fern, yet they both make the forest beautiful. Your time will come. You will rise high!"

"How high should I rise?" I asked. "How high will the bamboo rise?" God asked in return. "As high as it can?" I questioned. "Yes." God said.

Then God said, "Give me glory by rising as high as you can."

I left the forest and brought back this story. I hope these words can help you see that God will never give up on you or me. Never regret a day in your life. Good days give you Happiness. Bad days give you Experiences. Both however are essential to life.
Larua Johnson

SPIRIT Group News
The SPIRIT Group wishes to thank everyone who gave $20.00 for the projects and missions for 2008. The total donations received to date are $1,600.00.

The Least Coin offering pennies will be given to Church Women United in May. A container for donations is located on the table by the women’s restroom.
Marie Russell

Mary Esther Circle
On Monday, April 21st, the Mary Esther Circle will meet at the Holiday Inn at 12:00 noon for lunch and a meeting. All women are welcome to join us.

Thanks
The Mary Esther Circle sent a Care package to Matt Wearly in January 2008 and this is a reply from his friend, PFC. Don Wolford.

Dear People of Sgt. Wearly’s church,
My name is PFC Wolford, one of Sgt. Wearly’s soldiers and his driver. He recently received a package from all of you and he was generous enough to share some of its contents with me. He told me the people of your church put it together. This is why I’m writing, to say thank-you for taking the time to send a package and keeping us in your thoughts. When you are so far from your friends, family, and home, it means a lot even to get a letter knowing people care. So once again, thank you.

P.S. I am from Toledo, Ohio. I get to go home March 10th! Can’t wait to get back in the “The Great State” for a few weeks!

20 THINGS TO REMEMBER
1. Faith is the ability to not panic.
2. If you worry, you didn't pray. If you prayed, don't worry.
3. As a child of God, prayer is kind of like calling home every day.
4. Blessed are the flexible, for they shall not be bent out of shape.
5. When we get tangled up in our problems, be still. God wants us to be still so He can untangle the knot.
6. Do the math. Count your blessings.
7. God wants spiritual fruit, not religious nuts.
8. Dear God: I have a problem. It's me.
9. Silence is often misinterpreted, but never misquoted.
10. Laugh every day -- it's like inner jogging.
11. The most important things in these homes are the people.
12. Growing old is inevitable; growing up is optional.
13. There is no key to happiness. The door is always open. Come on in.
14. A grudge is a heavy thing to carry.
15. He who dies with the most toys is still just as dead.
16. We do not remember days but moments. Life moves too fast, so enjoy your precious moments.
17. Nothing is real to you until you experience it; otherwise it's just hearsay.
18. It’s okay to sit on your 'pity pot' every now and again. Just be sure to flush when you are done.
19. Surviving and living your life successfully require courage. The goals and dreams you're seeking require courage and risk-taking. Learn from the turtle, it only makes progress when it sticks out its neck.
20. Be more concerned with your character than your reputation. Your character is what you really are, while your reputation is merely what others think you are.
Submitted by Mary Morrison (internet)

Troop 97 April Events
April 5 – 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. - Sidney Hazardous Waste turn-in at the Service Center on Vandemark Rd.
April 11,12, 13 – Camping at Fort Loramie. Will also be delivering mulch this weekend.

Grape Salad
8 oz. cream cheese softened -8 oz. sour cream - 1 cup sugar -4 lbs. seedless grapes
Mix together and refrigerate until ready to serve.

3 Butterfingers, crushed
1/3 cup brown sugar
1 cup chopped nuts
Mix together and add grapes when ready to serve.

May cut ingredients and grapes in half. Leave grapes whole.
From the kitchen of Marian Price

Risks
To laugh is to risk appearing the fool.

To weep is to risk appearing sentimental.

To reach out for another is to risk involvement.

To expose feelings is to risk exposing your true self.

To place your ideas and your dreams before a crowd is to risk their loss.

To love is to risk not being loved in return.

To live is to risk dying.

To hope is to risk failure.

But risks must be taken, because the greatest hazard in life is to risk nothing.

The person who risks nothing does nothing.

They may avoid suffering and sorrow but they cannot learn, feel, change, grow, love, live.

Chained by their certitudes, they are a slave; they have forfeited their freedom.

Only a person who risks is free.
The Newsletter Newsletter

Something to Think About
• Love is the shortest distance between two hearts.

• About the only difference between stumbling blocks and stepping stones is the way you use them.

• The things that count most in life are usually the things that cannot be counted.

• When you forgive, you in no way change the past…but you sure do change the future.

• One of the most important trips a person ever takes is to meet the other person half way.

• We give without loving, but we cannot love without giving.

• Too many people pray only for emergency rations rather than asking God for daily bread.
From: Newsletter Newletter

Worship Services for April
USHERS for the month are: Dale Peterson, (head usher), Rick Holloway, Deb Wood, Chuck Wood, Don Anderson, Judy Helmlinger & Ron Helmlinger.

April 6
Sermon – “How Soon We Forget”
Luke 24:13-35
Worship Leader – Ron Helmlinger
Greeters – Jim & Bette Brentlinger
Children’s Message – Kent Smith
Children’s Church – Sherri Overholser

Coffee Hour Sponsors – Sandy & David Kemp, Tiffany Kemp, Sherri Martens, Marty & Don Shatto, Ann & Bob Spillers, Elaine & Dimitri Williams, and Marilyn Young.

April 13
Sermon - “What Door Will You Choose?”
John 10:1-10
Worship Leader – Chuck Wood
Greeters – Janet Eshleman & Judy Fogt
Children’s Message – Angie Mentges
Children’s Church – Pri. – Julie Maurer; El-Jr. – Pat Brown

April 20
Sermon – “Go Ahead, Ask Him!”
John 14:1-14
Worship Leader – Lin Wagner
Greeters – Steve & Peg Baker
Children’s Message –
Children’s Church – Pri. – Jenny Wagner; El-Jr. – Mary Ann Yinger

April 27
Sermon – Faith Like Noah’s”
I Peter 3:8-22
Worship Leader – Kim Martin
Greeter – Betty Hollenbacher
Children’s Message – Heather Goubeaux
Children’s Church – Nikki Adams


Hospitalized
Gary Harbison, Lima Memorial Hospital
Vandora Long, Wilson Memorial Hospital
LaRue Nolte, Good Samaritan Hospital
Frank Neville, Wilson Memorial Hospital

Attendance and Offerings
Mar. 2 – 174 - $3,456.99
Mar. 9 – 100 - $1,273.25
Mar. 16 – 202 - $2,930.50
Mar. 20 – 84 - $847.26
Mar. 23 - 1st Easter – 89 - $1,227.25
Mar. 23 - 2nd Easter – 222 - $2,478.50

Thanks
A special thanks to Andrea Day, Shelbie Anderson and Sherri Overholser for the Childrens’ Easter Choir!! The kids did a fantastic job.

Another shout to Andrea Day for coordinating the Easter Celebration that was held for the children during the 10:15 service. The children enjoyed snacks, games and prizes. We had 24 children for the celebration. Thanks a lot Andrea!

Children’s Church
Our children are the future of our church and the enthusiasm from them keeps growing! Why not be a part of the teaching of our future church leaders. Contact Mary Ann Yinger at 497-0043 if you would like to help.

Vacation Bible School
A Co-Director is needed for Vacation Bible School. If you would like to help, come to the Christian Education Meeting, in the Resource Room, following worship on April 20th.

April Birthdays
1 Ann Sloan, Russell Pulfer
2 Judy Helmlinger, Brit Billing, Rachel Stewart
3 Terri Staley
4 Jim Brentlinger, Dennis Engle, Deanna Slife, Jeff Pollard, Emily Neville
5 Viola Davis, Barb Fry
6 Kathleen Anderson, Collin McClain
7 Valerie Schroer
9 Judy Fogt, Jeremy Blanford
10 Thelma Wise
12 Susan Schneider
13 Barbara Neville, Addison Kaylor
14 Bill O’Dell, Ryan Stewart
15 Joan Wheeler, Kyle Schroer
17 Steve Harlamert, Richard Holloway
18 Pat Brown, Jeffrey Overholser
19 Andrew Overholser
20 Howard Yanda, Bonnie Borders
21 Shirley Rose, Betty Heintz, Cheyann Berryhill
22 Misty White
23 Ryan Boerger
24 Miriam Minniear
25 Nichole Adams
26 Paulette Rapp, Dar Molitor, Juli Alton, Kelsey Rossman
27 Connie Hamilton, Autumn Neville
28 Melvin Pfister, Joyce Wise, Alexis Steele
29 Kevin Gillman, Elizabeth Bingham, Kyle Pierce
30 Richard Crusey, Karen Hittepole, Megan Myers

Annual Spring Gathering
SONKA will meet at the First United Church of Christ, 5808 Glenview Ave., Cincinnati, Ohio, on Saturday, April 26th from 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

This year’s speaker will be Paul Bradley, from New York Theological Seminary. He will be talking about “Being Church in the 21st Century”.

Contact Dr. Wagner if you would like to attend.

April Anniversaries
2 Craig & Melanie Kuck
3 Gail & Glenn Schulte
6 Rebecca & Walter Gillman, Jr.
11 Kurt & Mandy Beatty
17 Sandra & David Kemp
18 Michelle & Steve Kinell
20 Kathleen & Fred Santo
24 Trina & Jason Harbison

April Bake Sale
Many thanks for your support of recent bake sales. February proceeds of $150.00 were given to FISH food pantry and March sales of $100.00 stayed at St. Paul’s for food vouchers given to transients in need.

Proceeds from the April 6th bake sale, during coffee hour, will be sent to the West Ohio Food Bank based in Lima. The bank provides food for pantries in eleven western Ohio counties, including Shelby. All donations given to the West Ohio Food Bank for April 30th will be doubled by a philanthropist funding pantries nationwide.
Kent Smith

Mother’s Day Afghan Raffle
Tickets are on sale at $1.00 per ticket or 6 for $5.00, for a Mother’s Day Afghan. An afghan made by Janet Schumann will be raffled off during the Coffee Hour on May 4th. The proceeds from this raffle will be given to the Endowment Fund to reimburse them for the Exterior project. Come to the church office or the Hospitality Desk before or after church to purchase your tickets.

Sympathies
To: Lin Wagner and family, on the death of her sister, Jami Hogan. She died on Monday, March 17, 2008 at the age of 52.

April Calendar
1 - 7:00 p.m. – Sweet Adelines, FH
2 - 10:00 a.m. – Crimson Belles Luncheon, FH; 7:00 p.m. – Choir Practice, Choir room
3 - 11:00 a.m. – Bible Study, CR
5 - 11:00 a.m. – Mt. Zion Youth Group program, FH
6 - 7:30 a.m. – WMVR radio broadcast; 9:00 a.m. – Adult Sunday School, FH; 10:15 a.m. – Worship; Coffee Hour, FH
8 - 5:30 p.m. – Habitat for Humanity Meeting, CR; 7:00 p.m. – Sweet Adelines, FH
9 - 7:00 p.m. – Choir Practice, Choir room
10 - 11:00 a.m. – Bible Study, CR
12 - 2:00 p.m. – Jackie Lewis Bridal shower, FH; 7:30 p.m. – Tiffany Wyer & Dave McMann Wedding
13 - 7:30 a.m. – WMVR radio broadcast; 9:00 a.m. – Adult Sunday School, FH; 10:15 a.m. – Worship, Baptism; 11:30 a.m. – Berlekamp baptism lunch, FH
14 - 7:00 p.m. – Church Council Meeting, CR
15 - 7:00 p.m. – Endowment Committee Meeting, CR; 7:00 p.m. – Sweet Adelines, FH
16 - 7:00 p.m. – Choir Practice, Choir room
17 - 11:00 a.m. – Bible Study, CR; 11:30 a.m. – Altrusa Club Meeting, FH
20 - 7:30 a.m. – WMVR radio broadcast; 9:00 a.m. – Adult Sunday School, FH; 10:15 a.m. – Worship; 11:15 a.m. – Christian Education Meeting, Resource room
21 - 8:00 a.m. – Sidney City Schools 3rd grade reading program, FH; 12:00 p.m. – Mary Esther Circle Meeting, Holiday Inn
22 - 7:00 p.m. – Sweet Adelines, FH
23 - 7:00 p.m. – Choir Practice, Choir room
24 - 7:30 a.m. – Children’s Librarians Meetings, FH; 11:00 a.m. – Bible Study, CR
26 - 8:30 a.m. – Spring SONKA Association Meeting, Cincinnati, OH
27 - 7:30 a.m. – WMVR radio broadcast; 9:00 a.m. – Adult Sunday School, FH; 10:15 a.m. – Worship
28 - 7:30 p.m. – New Member Orientation, FR
29 - 7:00 p.m. – Sweet Adelines, FH
30 - 7:00 p.m. – Choir Practice, Choir room