Pastor's Column

Recently I attended a conference on worship and music in Portland, Maine. The conference was sponsored by the United Church of Christ Musicians Association. It was an inspiring experience for me since I rarely have the opportunity to hear other ministers preach. As you might guess the music was wonderful and uplifting.

During the conference I attended workshops on various subjects. One was entitled, “Preaching to the Choir.” It was led by Rev. Victoria Sirota, an Epsiscopal Priest who is on the staff at The Cathedral Church of St. John’s the Divine in New York City.

Rev. Sirota stated that music and humor help to dissipate evil. Evil has a way of interrupting the good things that are happening in the life of a congregation. Keeping a sense of humor and having a quality music program sustains the love of God and keeps evil away.

She also said that it is not about being perfect, but rather remaining faithful, especially during trying times. When we panic or lose faith, evil gets the best of us. Rev. Sirota also said that synergy in worship is maintained when the pastor, the musicians and the congregation are all on the same page.

I believe that our church musicians and myself have a good relationship. We are fortunate because in some churches that is not always the case. The congregation needs to have ownership of worship too. By having worship leaders we are creating ownership from the people in the pew. I would also encourage your feedback about music selections, sermons and the overall flow of our worship. Worship is not just something that we professional’s do. Worship is a shared experience. The more the congregation participates, the more meaningful the worship.

Another workshop I attended was entitled, “Creating Songs and Sermons that Inspire God’s People.” This was led by Rev. Dr. Bernard Wilson, Senior Pastor at Norfield Congregational Church in New Jersey. Dr. Bernard was also a Navy Chaplain and previously served as the Associate Pastor at Riverside Church in New York City.

Dr. Wilson was an inspiring preacher and teacher. He was down to earth and emphasized the importance of working closely with musicians in the planning of worship. He was especially accepting of all different types of people. He sang during his sermon at one of our worship services. I found that very dramatic and meaningful.

Dr. Wilson reminded us that we have to stretch ourselves and include all kinds of voices and musical talent in our worship although it might not be in our tradition. Diversity adds to the richness of worship and we need to be sensitive to the music of every age group.

I came away from the conference feeling good about our worship at St. Paul’s. Although I learned some new things I also came away feeling affirmed about our worship services. I am grateful to have the opportunity to help create worship in a church that has such a long history. I am especially grateful to work with excellent musicians. Jennifer and Amanda are extremely talented and very committed. I’m not sure if everyone appreciates the high quality of music that we have but I believe we are blessed. In addition we are also blessed with high quality instruments.

I learned many other things at the conference too, such as “How to Recruit Members for the Choir.” Later in this newsletter I have included a list of the ways that being in the choir can enhance your life.

Overall it was an experience I will never forget. Did I mention I got to eat lobster? I will be sharing more about the conference in the coming weeks. In the meantime, keep on singing and never underestimate the power of music when it comes to experiencing the presence of God.
Peace and Blessings, Dr. Keith Wagner

Scout Sunday
On Sunday, August 3rd we will honor all our boy scouts. The young men of Troop 97 will be present during worship. They will also be responsible for Coffee Hour. Please come and support our local chapter of the Boy Scouts.

Whoops!
In the July edition of the Church Mouse it was reported that you could unlock your car with your cell phone. Unfortunately we did not check that out and we were informed later that the information was not valid. We apologize for giving you information that was incorrect.
Church Staff

Sympathies
To: Doris Wiford and family on the death of her brother, Marion “Punk” Zwiebel. He died on Sunday, July 6, at the age of 79.

To: Lee Schweitzer and family on the death of his grandfather, Orville Schweitzer. He died on July 16, 2008, at the age of 79.

Crimson Belles
The Crimson Belles met on July 2, 2008 for the regular meet and eat at the church an then went to Bob Evans restaurant for lunch enjoying lively conversation and good food.

The Belles once again gathered at C. J. Highmarks on July 23, 2008 for a meal celebrating Christmas in July. After the meal all 15 Red Hatters went to Vivian’s for games, laughter, games, more laughter, then a surprise celebration honoring Jenny Coverstone’s turning 50, which means she now officially wears a Red Hat & Purple clothing. Jenny received graduation gifts from everyone. Way to go Jenny. We ended the evening with dessert and punch.

The next meet and eat will be August 6, 2008 at 10:00 a.m. Hope to see everyone then, there will be pictures to share and more laughter I am sure.
Crazy as usual, Vivacious Vivian

Why Sing in the Choir?
Below is a list of the benefits of singing in a church choir. This list was comprised by Michael Kemp, Director of Music of the Germantown Academy in Ft. Washington, PA.

1. Is an easy way to make new friends and be part of a group.
2. Develops a sense of culture in youth and children.
3. Provides an artistic balance in these days of data-based education.
4. Is therapeutic and helps with the pressures of life.
5. Teaches the value of teamwork.
6. Teaches good posture and breathing techniques.
7. Helps develop better habits of communication.
8. Teaches the values of careful preparation in reaching a goal.
9. Teaches that there are no short cuts to excellence.
10. Teaches a sense of responsibility and setting priorities.
11. Gives members a sense of pride and self-worth.
12. Provides a foundation for a life time of music appreciation.
13. Trains participants to be supportive of the arts.
14. Provides many musical memories.
15. Opens the door to poetry and story.
16. Teaches history through music.
17. Helps the participant interpret the Bible.
18. Is an effective vehicle for teaching faith.
19. Is a ministry in the life of the church.
20. Provides an opportunity for regular church participation.

St. Paul’s Choir will begin a new season on September 7th, under the direction of Amanda Hughes. The first choir rehearsal is September 3rd at 7:00PM.

Back To School With GOD Camp:
Students entering 1st thru 12th grade this coming school year are invited to attend the Back To School With GOD Camp in Loudonville, Ohio August 15h-17th. Reserve your spot by calling Angie Mentges at 498-8085.

The Law of Giving
This law could also be called the Law of Giving and Receiving, because the universe operates through dynamic exchange. The flow of life is nothing other than the harmonious interaction of all the elements and forces that structure the field of existence.

Because your body and your mind and the universe are in constant and dynamic change, stopping the circulation of energy is like stopping the flow of blood. Whenever blood stops flowing, it begins to clot, to stagnate. That is why you must give and receive in order to keep wealth and affluence--or anything you want--circulating in your life.

If our only intention is to hold on to our money and hoard it--since it's life energy, we will stop its circulation back into our lives as well. In order to keep that energy coming to us, we have to keep the energy circulating. Thus, the more you give, the more you will receive.

The best way to put The Law of Giving into operation is to make a decision that any time you come into contact with anyone, you will give them something. It doesn't have to be in the form of material things; it could be a flower, a compliment or a prayer. In fact, the most powerful forms of giving are non-material. The gifts of caring, attention, affection, appreciation and love are some of the most precious gifts you can give, and they don't cost you anything.
From the Seven Spiritual Laws of Success, By Deepak Chopra

Golf Scramble
The seventh annual St. Paul’s Golf Scramble will be held on Sunday, August 10th at the Shelby Oaks Golf Course. Meet at the clubhouse at12:15 p.m. Tee times will begin at 1:00 p.m. Both men and women are invited to participate. You may make your own foursome or any single or couple will be put on a team.
Prizes will be given away at Shelby Oaks after the golf scramble is over.
Prices for 9 holes of golf and golf cart:
Non-members of Shelby Oaks $22.00
Members of Shelby Oaks $9.00

Please return the following registration form with your payment by Monday, August 6th and make checks payable to “St. Paul’s Church”.

Name:
Member: Non-Member
Avg. score 9 holes Amt. Pd.
For more information call the church office at 492-8540.

Council Briefs
General concern expressed about finances and stewardship during the last several months.

The final cost for stained-glass window repairs has been paid.

Two $1,000.00 scholarships have been awarded to Zachary Rossman and Kayla Climer from the Endowment Fund for further education.

Ron Helmlinger is the new chairperson of the Endowment Committee.

The Boy Scout Troop will be involved in the worship service and coffee hour on August 3rd.

Sidewark repair in front of the church is being completed.

Treasurer’s Report for June
Income - $ 18,636.24
Expenses - $19,729.22

The Joy of Tithing
The practice of tithing goes all the way back to Cain and Able. These two brothers gave their father, Adam, their first fruits to pay homage to God. Abraham was the first to give 10% of his resources to God. Jacob also promised to give one tenth of all he had to God in response to God’s faithfulness.

Tithing became a principle of religious devotion in the Old Testament. In the New Testament members of the church were encouraged to give on a regular basis. In fact, Jesus spoke of the need of the faithful to give much and very often. The widow gave all she had. The parable of the talents spoke to the tragedy of holding back one’s resources. Also the rich man was challenged to give to the poor.

In some churches the practice of tithing is widespread. In our tradition it has become something that no one wants to talk about. People think of their church offerings as “dues” or “tax write-offs.” So much for the joy of giving.

Most people want to be in control of their gifts to the church rather than trust the leadership for their distribution. It is good when folks give money to the Endowment Fund, Stained Glass Window Fund, or Building Repair Fund. Unfortunately, many folks just shift their dollars from the General Operating Fund to some special fund which makes it difficult for the church to keep up with financial obligations.

Some folks only give when they come and don’t make up for the weeks they have missed. Others give token amounts, not even close to even 1 percent of their income.

Special offerings are “Second Mile Giving.” That means they are gifts that go beyond the practice of weekly giving. The church needs weekly offerings to have an effective mission and ministry. When the membership holds back their gifts it means that the church is not free to help others.

Tithing as an act of religious devotion seems to have been replaced with an attitude of self-centeredness and the need to survive. People panic when the price of food and gas goes up but rather than cut back on entertainment or personal needs they give less to the church.

The bible teaches us that “God loves a cheerful giver.” Giving generously is an experience which can bring a person much joy. The fruits of the spirit are “love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, GENEROSITY, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.” (Galatians 5:22)

It is my prayer that everyone will seriously consider the high calling of tithing and thus experience the joy of being generous. God deserves the fruits of our labor and the mission of the church will be enhanced when we practice a weekly discipline of giving God our offerings.

Remember, in 2 Corinthians 9:6, Paul said, “The one who sows sparingly, will also reap sparingly and the one who sows bountifully will reap bountifully.”
Dr. Keith Wagner

Are You Digital?
So how do you tell if your television has a digital tuner already built in, meaning that your TV will still receive free transmissions after Feb. 17, 2009? The easiest way is to look at the TV’s manual or on the manufactuer’s Web site. Look for “digital input” or ATSC (Advanced Television Systems Committee). If you set says “analog” or NTSC (National Television System Committee), it does not have a digital tuner. If you have bought a new television since 2004, there’s a good chance that it has a digital tuner. Any TV made before 1998 will be analog, according to the DTV Transition Coalition.

If you need a digital converter box, setting it up isn’t difficult. Just follow the installation instructions provided with the converter box and plug it into your TV set in the back or front. The box is about the size of a small book. An installation video is available at www.digitaltips.org. Don’t forget that you’ll still need your antenna and may even need a new one. For help in choosing an antenna, see antennaweb.org.
Our Ohio, July/August 2008, Volume 86, Issue 6

August Birthdays
1 Catherine Neville, Jason Harbison
2 Nicole Harkins, Lindsey Carr
3 Donna Shoemaker, Max Curtner
4 MaryLane Harlamert, Jerry Coverstone
5 John Scheu
6 Hazel Deatherage, Robert Lyme, William Greer
7 Dennis Clayton
9 Allison Scheu
10 Jenica Browning
11 Brian Hollenbacher
12 Shelly Coverstone
13 Roger Aschenbach, Michelle Pollard
14 Sharon Jung, Ray Weaver
15 Craig Greer
16 Lin Wagner
17 Ruby Long
18 Tyler Overholser
19 Betty Roy, Ted Russell, Cedric Johnson, Andrew Adams
21 Lillian Alexander
23 Joyce Nelson
24 Jo Jahoda, Jacqueline Deatherage, Sandra Kemp
25 John B. Wearly, LaRue Nolte, Mike Martz, Amber Boss, Chase Rossman
27 Marilyn Young, Candace Clayton, Arie Thompson
29 Darrin Day, Cameron Gallimore
30 Joshua Wagner
31 Richard Eshleman, Alysse Schwietzer

August Anniversaries
2 Sally & Earl Hull, Angie & Bill Mentges
5 Kathryn & John Wearly, Peg & Steve Baker, Jennifer & Mike Martz
6 Jayna & Randy Lewis
7 Vandora & Charles Long, Judy & David Fogt, Stacey & Brad Goffena
11 Meggan & Jim Weaver
12 Judi & Jim Stewart, Candace & Dennis Clayton
14 Sue & Phil Spangler
18 Ann & Michael VanHorn
21 Karen & Joseph Mroz
24 Nicole & Matt Pleiman
27 Jacqueline & Jeffrey Deatherage

Holy Humor
1. There was a church that had problems with outsiders parking in its parking lots, so they put up a sign: CHURCH CAR PARK - FOR MEMBERS ONLY Trespassers will be baptized!
2. "No, God - No Peace. Know God - Know Peace."
3. "Free Trip to heaven. Details Inside!"
4. "Try our Sundays. They are better than Baskin Robbins"
5. "Searching for a new look? Have your faith lifted here!"
6. An ad for one Church has a picture of two hands holding stone tablets on which the Ten Commandments are inscribed and a headline that reads, "For fast, fast, fast relief,
take two tablets."
7. When the restaurant next to another Church put out a big sign with red letters that said, "Open Sundays," the church reciprocated with its own message: "We are open on Sundays, too."
8. "People are like tea bags -- you have to put them in hot water before you know how strong they are."
9. "Fight truth decay -- study the Bible daily."
10. "How will you spend eternity - Smoking or Nonsmoking?"
11. "Dusty Bibles lead to Dirty Lives"
12. "Come work for the Lord.
The work is hard, the hours are long and the pay is low. But the retirement benefits are out of this world."
13. "It is unlikely there'll be a reduction in the wages of sin."
14. "Do not wait for the hearse to take you to church."
15. "If you're headed in the wrong direction, God allows U-turns."
16. "If you don't like the way you were born, try being born again."
17. "This is a ch_ _ ch. What is missing?" (U R)

August Worship Services
USHERS for the month are: David Hollenbacher, Larry Motsinger, Bob Spillers, Randy Seeger and Michael Seeger.

August 3
Sermon – “More Than Enough”
Matthew 14:13-21
Worship Leader – Bill O’Dell
Special Music – Vacation Bible School choir
Greeters – Andrea Day & Shelbie Anderson
Children’s Message – Kent Smith
Children’s Church – Sherri Overholser

Coffee Hour Sponsors – Boy Scout Troop 97

August 10
Sermon – “When the Wind is Against Us”
Matthew 14:22-33
Worship Leader – Liz Custis
Special Music – New Renaissance Singers
Greeters – Betty Barker & Miriam Minniear
Children’s Message – Keith Wagner
Children’s Church – Julie Maurer & Kim Sawyer

August 17
Sermon – Guest Minister – Rev. Al Marheine
Worship Leader – Don Anderson
Special Music – Betty Heintz
Greeter – Althea Clayton
Children’s Message – Meggan Weaver
Children’s Church – Pat Brown

August 24
Sermon – “A Basket Becomes an Ark”
Exodus 2:1-10
Worship Leader – Vivian Goins
Special Music – Stratford Strings
Greeters – Steve & Peg Baker
Children’s Message – Angie Mentges
Children’s Church – Jenny Wagner

August 31
Sermon – “Lose it or Find It?” – Matthew 16:21-28
Worship Leader – Althea Clayton
Greeters – Ron & Judy Helmlinger
Children’s Message – Karen Frank

Hospitalized
Charles Leonard, Wilson Memorial Hospital
Judy Fogt, Wilson Memorial Hospital
Rosemary Gold, Lima Memorial Hospital
Jim Brentlinger, Wilson Memorial Hospital
Dawn & Rod Wiford, Lexington, KY.

Attendance and Offerings
June 29 – 122 - $1,700.25
July 6 – 131 - $2,806.05
July 13 – 93 - $1,699.05
July 20 – 114 - $1,789.61
July 27 – 151 - $2,381.75

Bake Sale
A bake sale will be held during the coffee hour on Sunday, August 3rd. The proceeds will go to the Alpha Center.

Address Changes
Stacey & Brad Goffena, 327 Windsor Park, Sidney, OH
Laura Deerhake, 1332 Heatherwood Ln, Ann Arbor, MI 48108

Congratulations
On Tuesday, July 15th, Mariah Ann Johnson was born. She is the daughter of Jenny Molitor.

August Calendar
3 - 7:30 a.m. – WMVR radio broadcast; 9:30 a.m. – Worship, Coffee Hour, FH
6 - 10:00 a.m. – Crimson Belles Meet-N-Eat
7 - 11:30 a.m. – Bible Study, CR
10 - 7:30 a.m. – WMVR radio broadcast; 9:30 a.m. – Worship, 1:00 p.m. – Shelby Oaks Golf Scramble
11 - 7:00 p.m. – Church Council Meeting, CR
12 - 8:00 a.m. – Teachers’ Workshop, FH; 5:30 p.m. – Habitat for Humanity Meeting, CR
14 - 11:30 a.m. – Bible Study, CR
15 - 5:00 p.m. – Back to School with God Group Camp leaving
16 - Back to School with God Group Camp
17 - 7:30 a.m. – WMVR radio broadcast; 9:30 a.m. – Worship, 7:00 p.m. – Group camp returning
24 - 7:30 a.m. – WMVR radio broadcast; 9:30 a.m. – Worship, Congregational Meeting
28 - 11:30 a.m. – Bible Study, CR
31 - 7:30 a.m. – WMVR radio broadcast; 9:30 a.m. – Worship