From the Pastor

“We who are strong ought to put up with the failings of the weak, and not to please ourselves. Each of us must please our neighbor for the good purpose of building up the neighbor …..., welcome one another, therefore, just as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God.” (Romans 15:1-7)

This passage from Romans was the text for a workshop I attended at the Ohio Conference Gathering in June. The title of the workshop was “Friendly is not hospitable.” The basic assumption of the presentation was that the Church needs to practice radical hospitality in order to welcome new people into the life of the congregation.

Most churches are friendly and nice people. Most parishioners are aware of strangers and visitors. Unfortunately, our welcome ends with a kind greeting, handshake or brief conversation. When we use radical hospitality we go out of our way to make people feel welcome and give them a sense of belonging.

Here are some ways that radical hospitality might be accomplished: (1) Greet people in the parking lot and walk with them to the church and into the sanctuary. (2) Invite them to lunch either that Sunday or sometime during the week. (3) Offer them information about our activities. (4) Give them a personal tour of our facilities. (5) Introduce them to other members in the congregation. (6) Contact them later that week and ask them if they have any questions about the church. (7) Invite them back, especially to coffee hour.

Radical hospitality is more than just reaching out to them and making them feel welcome. It is also being aware of THEIR needs and THEIR life struggles. Who they are related to is not important. Where they are from is also not important. We want to be sensitive to THEIR agenda not ours.

Radical Hospitality also applies to existing members, not just visitors. When was the last time you had a meaningful conversation on Sunday morning with someone other than a friend or relative? Have you ever thought about sitting in worship with someone you don’t know very well?

It has been my experience that people don’t just show up on Sunday morning by accident. Some come because they are used to coming and they are fulfilled. Others, especially strangers, come because they are experiencing something painful in their lives. Perhaps they are going through a divorce. Maybe one of their children is in trouble. Perhaps they have lost a loved one. The list of personal struggles is endless. Or, maybe they are just new to the area and they have no friends.

What people need is love. They need to feel that they aren’t alone. They need hope and assurance. New folks want to be part of a caring, supportive fellowship of people who do not judge them and recognize that they too have spiritual gifts that can enhance the life of a particular faith community.

In other words, people want the church to cry with them, pray with them, listen to them, include them and be one with them.

St. Paul’s is a friendly church. St. Paul’s has much to offer. But St. Paul’s will really grow when each of us makes a commitment to embrace those who are new in our midst. When we truly show them that we care about them then we are practicing the radical hospitality that Paul was speaking about in his letter to the Romans.

If you really want to have a unique and exciting ministry then I challenge each of you to try radical hospitality. Trust me, it will change your life, the church will grow, you will experience a great sense of joy and fulfillment, but most importantly, God will indeed be glorified.
Blessings and Peace, Dr. Keith Wagner

Heed the Call
To My Friends at St. Paul’s United Church of Christ,

Keith speaks quite often about his own acceptance of the call to the ministry. I, myself, have found that when I get those feelings to serve at church that it can go one of two ways. I can say “Yes” and I will get on with what needs to be done or I can say “No” and have the feeling eat at me for years.

Here lately, I had been listening to the requests for help with Vacation Bible School. What really caught my attention was that it might not happen, at all. I sat up in the “Crow’s Nest” and thought about it for an entire service one Sunday. After church I mentioned to both Keith and Vivian that if someone else would do the teaching that I would do the music. I figured that the music might be scaring people away. In the past, various individuals in the church had asked me to help with bible school, but I was extremely busy with sick parents, home issues, and continuing education, all of which had to take priority at the time.

So now I feel much better knowing that Bible School is going to happen and that I volunteered. As a result now, we have many people to help and 2 Co-Leaders, Mary Ann and Gina.

In closing, I hate to admit that I’m growing older, but I feel that many people as they grow older want to see the Youth carry on certain traditions and volunteering is one way to ensure that.
Your Organist, Jen Billing-Martz

Change of Address
Mike Climer, 473 Oakleaf Ct., Sidney, OH 45365
Florence Sharp, Heritage Nursing Home, 24 N. Hamilton, Room 218, Minister, OH

Thank You
Thanks to the following people who helped clean the grounds during the outdoor work session on June 21st. They are: Kathleen Anderson, Doris Coverstone, Jenny Coverstone, Rick Holloway, Dar Molitor, Randy Seeger and Kent Smith.

Council Briefs
Charla Grieves, an ordained Lutheran minister and daughter of Fred and Julianne Grieves, will deliver the sermon during worship on July 27.
Worship service and hog roast to be hosted by Steve and Kathy Ferree at the Shelby County Fairgrounds on October 19th to celebrate the 140th anniversary of St. Paul’s. Details to follow later.
As of June 15, $1025.00 has been given through donations to the Back to School with God Camp.
Mary Ann Yinger and Gina Skorupski are co-chairing activities for Vacation Bible School, July 27-31.
A search continues for a nursery attendant.

Treasurer’s Report
Income - $12,529.75
Expenses - $17,539.81
Kent Smith, Recording secretary

Midwest Flooding – Disaster Relief
In the wake of devastating flooding and a record number of tornados striking the Midwest this spring, the United Church of Christ has issued a $200,000 emergency appeal, and is seeking volunteers who can assist with immediate relief and long-term recovery. Communities across Minnesota, Wisconsin, Illinois, Michigan, Indiana, Iowa and Missouri have been severely impacted by these unprecedented storms. Many farm families have lost their homes and livelihoods as crops have been decimated by the wind and flood waters.

One Great Hour of Sharing solidarity grants are now being shared with Conferences and local UCC congregations to support immediate relief efforts. The UCC has pledged its support to assist in long-term recovery efforts. Will you please give generously? Contributions can be sent through the Southwest Ohio Northern Kentucky Association (SONKA) office, specified for “2008 Spring Tornadoes and Floods.” Make your check out to St. Paul’s Church and designate that your gift is to go toward flood relief.

Crimson Belles
The Crimson Belles enjoyed a fun fourth birthday party. This year’s theme was “A Teddy Bear’s Picnic”. The Shelby County Animal Shelter was the recipient of our birthday gifts this year. With the help of the Anna Market we were able to give the Shelby County Animal Shelter about 220 pounds of pet food. The Market matched us dollar for dollar so our $50.00 went a long way. The Animal Shelter personnel were appreciative of the food and said it would feed for a month or so. At the party we played some fun and funny games (Thanks Barbara) and had lots of good food to eat. Some of us told stories about our favorite toys. It is always wonderful fun when the Belles get together.

In July, we will meet on the 2nd for our regular Meet and Eat. On July 23rd, we will be celebrating Christmas in July at Vivian’s house. We will meet at C.J. Highmarks at 6:00 p.m. for dinner then on to Vivian’s for dessert and fun! If you have any questions, ask Vivian. We hope everyone has a wonderful summer.
Joyfully, Quen Judy Fogt

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 15th-17th. Postcards will be mailed out with more information or call Angie Mentges at 498-8085.

Our Sympathies
To: Florence Sharp and family on the death of her son, Gerald (Jay) Sharp. He died on June 7, 2008 at the age of 57.

To: Ron Hill and family on the death of his sister, Barbara L. Rhoades. She died at the age of 75 on Friday, June 20, 2008.

New Baby
Congratulations to Terri Kuch and Jed Linnaman on the birth of their daughter, Cady Marie Linnaman. She was born on June 11, 2008.

Celebrating 140 Years
Did you know that this year is the 140th anniversary of St. Paul’s Church? The Church was organized in 1868. This fall there is a special event planned for Sunday, October 19th. Be sure to keep that date open.

Also, to celebrate 140 years of ministry we have invited one of our own to return home to preach to us. Rev. Charla Grieves, daughter of Fred and Julia Grieves.

Charla was raised in St. Paul’s. She was confirmed in May, 1970. She graduated from Bowling Green State University in 1978. After working at Copeland for 14 years she entered seminary. She graduated from Trinity Lutheran Seminary, Columbus, in 1996. Rev. Grieves served the Holy Spirit Lutheran Church, PA for 11 years. She recently transferred to St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Haysville, Indiana.

Charla will be preaching on Sunday, July 27th during worship. We welcome home one of our own who has committed her life to ordained ministry.
Dr. Wagner

Baptism
Wyatt Thomas Wearly was baptized during the worship service on Sunday, June 22nd. He is the child of Toni & Matt Wearly.

SPIRIT Group News
The SPIRIT Group will be selling Christmas cards starting September 7th. The Christmas cards will have a picture of the church Sanctuary from Christmas 2007.

$948.00 has been collected in the annual Blanket Sunday offering. SONKA will forward the money to Church World Services. Thanks to all who donated.

The Mary Esther Circle will not have a meeting in July or August.

School Tools
Again this year the Salvation Army is sponsoring this program for needy children.
The following items can be brought to the church and placed in the blue barrel in the outer Narthex by August 11th. They include:
School boxes no larger than 6”x9”
Glue sticks
Crayons
Scissors
Elmer’s glue
Box of tissues
Ink pens
Rulers w/inches and centimeters
Washable markers
Wide-ruled notebook paper
Colored pencils
Watercolor paints
Spiral notebooks

Vacation Bible School
July 27th through July 31st - 6:00 - 8:40 p.m.
“Power Lab!”
Our VBS program will provide fun, memorable Bible-learning activities for kids ages 4 thru 6th grade.
Each evening kids will sing songs, play teamwork—building games, enjoy a treat and discover Jesus Miraculous Power.

Our special mission will be to collect school supplies for needy children in Sidney and Shelby County. Many children begin the school year without needed supplies such as pencils, erasers, scissors and glue. Children may bring these items in daily to donate.

For more information call Gina Skorupski at 498-1611 or contact Mary Ann Yinger at 493-0043. Below is a registration form to fill out and drop off or mail to the church. Additional forms may be picked up at the Hospitality Desk. Registration begins at 5:45 p.m. on July 27th. Pre-registration is encouraged!

Please watch for insert that will list food and craft items that we would like to have donated.

Vacation Bible School Registration

Name: ____________________________

Address: __________________________
_________________________________

City and State ______________________

Telephone: ______________Age: _______

Date of Birth: Last School grade completed:
_________________________________
Parents names:
_________________________________
Medical conditions:
_________________________________

Birthdays in July
1 Charles Long, Althea Clayton, Linda Harbison
4 Grace Wagner
5 Nancy Rossman, Jon Geuy, Matthew Wearly, Ashlee Coverstone
6 Alex Hittepole, Michael Wampler
7 Lexi Thompson
11 Charles Leonard
13 Scott Shoemaker
14 Kathryn Wearly, Mary Ann Yinger
16 Larry Motsinger, Jennifer Coverstone
17 Peg Baker
18 Zoe Schwietzer
20 Kathleen Boykin, Barb Gloyeske, Randi Sloan, Gabe Arnett
21 Joann Bales, Phyllis Roy
22 Thomas Minniear
23 Jennifer Billing-Martz, Sarah Schroer
24 Marty Shatto, Barbara O’Dell, Elizabeth Hittepole, Lauren Heaton
25 Janet Schumann, Bob Spillers, Lois Moorman
26 Cynthia Wiford
28 Troy Rinehart
29 Marijane Mead, Randy Sloan
31 Jayna Wagner

Anniversaries in July
3 Sandra & Sam Rose
5 Judy & Ronnie Helmlinger
7 Barbara & Frank Neville
10 Wendy & Bob Kidd
13 Regina & John Hittepole
17 Elaine & Dimitri Williams
18 Linda & Gary Harbison
21 Beth & John Deere
28 Marty & Don Shatto
30 Carol & Richard Ward
31 Elizabeth & Chad Bingham

5 Things You Never Knew Your Cell Phone Could Do
FIRST - Emergency

The Emergency Number worldwide for Mobile is 112. If you find Yourself out of the coverage area of your mobile network and there is an emergency, dial 112 and the mobile will search any existing network to establish the emergency number for you, and interestingly, this number 112 can be dialed even if the keypad is locked

SECOND
Have you locked your keys in the car?
Does your car have remote keyless entry? This may come in handy someday. Good reason to own a cell phone:

If you lock your keys in the car and the spare keys are at home, call someone at home on their cell phone from your cell phone. Hold your cell phone about a foot from your car door and have the person at your home press the unlock button, holding it near the mobile phone on their end. Your car will unlock. Saves someone from having to drive your keys to you. Distance is no object. You could be hundreds of miles away, and if you can reach someone who has the other 'remote' for your car, you can unlock the doors (or the trunk).

THIRD - Hidden Battery Power

Imagine your cell battery is very low. To activate, press the keys *3370#. Your cell phone will restart with this reserve and the instrument will show a 50% increase in battery. This reserve will get charged when you charge your cell phone next time.

FOURTH - How to disable a STOLEN mobile phone?

To check your Mobile phone's serial number, key in the following Digits on your phone: *#06#. A 15-digit code will appear on the screen. This number is unique to your handset. Write it down and keep it somewhere safe.

When your phone get stolen, you can phone your service provider and give them this code. They will then be able to block your handset so even if the thief changes the SIM card, your phone will be totally useless. You probably won't get your phone back, but at least you know that whoever stole it can't use/sell it either. If everybody does this, there would be no point in people stealing mobile phones.

FIFTH - Free Directory Service for Cells
Cell phone companies are charging us $1.00 to $1.75 or more for 411 information calls when they don't have to. Most of us do not carry a telephone directory in our vehicle, which makes this situation even more of a problem. When you need to use the 411 information option, simply dial: (800)FREE411, or (800) 373-3411 without incurring any charge at all. Program this into your cell phone now.

Worship Services for July

USHERS for the month are: Ron Wiford, (head usher), Jeff Deatherage, Fred Santo, Rod Wiford, Greg VanMatre, and Zach Rossman.

July 6
Sermon – “Rest for the Troubled Soul”
Matthew 11:25-30
Worship Leader – Jon Geuy
Greeters – Marie Stevens
Children’s Message – Meggan Weaver
Children’s Church – Sherri Overholser

Coffee Hour Sponsors – Becky Berlekamp, Inez & Tom Emerson, Jen & Mike Martz, Lisa & Randy Seeger, Barb & Dale Shoemaker, Donna & Robert Shoemaker, and Meggan & Jim Weaver.

July 13
Sermon – Guest Minister – Dr. Karen Frank”
Matthew 13:1-9
Worship Leader – Marie Stevens
Special Music – Simple Harmony
Greeters – Barbara & Bill O’Dell
Children’s Message – Kent Smith
Children’s Church – Julie Maurer

July 20
Sermon – “Climbing with Jacob”
Genesis 28:10-19
Worship Leader – Marj Dunnavant
Solo – Scott Roddy
Greeter – Angie & Bill Mentges
Children’s Message – Angie Mentges
Children’s Church –

July 27
Charla Grieves, guest minister
Sermon – “Kingdom Reality”
Matthew 13:31-33-44-52
Worship Leader – Keith Wagner
Special Music – Gotham City Brass
Greeters – Lin Wagner & Dar Molitor
Children’s Message – Keith Wagner
Children’s Church – Jenny Wagner & Mary Ann Yinger

Hospitalized
Thelma Thompson, Good Samaritan Hospital
Betty Heintz, California
Florence Sharp, Wilson Memorial
Rosemary Gold, Lima Memorial Hospital
Jim Brentlinger, Lima Memorial Hospital
Brian Adams, University Hospital, Michigan

Attendance and Offerings
Date Worship
June 1 – 142 - $3,129.75
June 8 – 133 - $3,211.97
June 15 – 141 - $1,846.92
June 22 – 132 - $2,494.00

Stained Glass Windows
Last fall we completed the restoration of the stained glass windows in the sanctuary. Everyone is very pleased with the enhanced beauty of the windows. What gives them their luster is the additional light that comes through because of the new exterior safety glass. This is also true for the windows in the narthex.

We were very fortunate to have raised sufficient funds to cover the cost of the windows in the sanctuary. Thanks to the generosity of the congregation we had some excess funds.

In January, Council decided to install exterior panes on the stained glass windows in the narthex which were not included in the original contract. It was our belief that there would be enough left over funds to cover that cost. Due to rising costs in labor and material we underestimated the additional expense.

A total of $1,800 is needed to pay for the additional windows. Since this amount is not in the budget we would appreciate donations to cover the additional cost. If you would like to help, please make your donation to St. Paul’s Church with the notation, “stained glass windows.”
Thank You, Church Council

Examples Make Great Gifts
At a church meeting a very wealthy man rose to tell the rest of those present about his Christian faith.

“I’m a millionaire,” he said, “and I attribute it all to the rich blessings of God in my life. I remember the turning point in my faith. I had just earned my first dollar and I went to a church meeting that night. The speaker was a missionary who told about his work. I knew that I had only a dollar bill, and either had to give it all to God’s work or give nothing at all. So at that moment I decided to give all I had to God. I believe God blessed that decision, and that is why I am a rich man today.”

As he finished, an awed quiet settled upon the congregation. Then just as he had seated himself, the voice of a little boy broke the silence: “I dare you to do it again.”

At an early age, children need to experience sharing with others the blessings they receive from God. Look for a way today to set an example that demonstrates to your child your belief that is is more blessed to give than to receive.

July Calendar
3 - 11:30 a.m. – Bible Study, CR
4 - Office closed
6 - 7:30 a.m. – WMVR radio program; 9:30 a.m. – Worship; 10:30 a.m. – Coffee Hour, FH
8 - 5:30 p.m. – Shelby County Habitat for Humanity Meeting, CR
10 - 11:30 a.m. – Bible Study, CR
13 - 7:30 a.m. – WMVR radio program; 9:30 a.m. – Worship
14 - 7:00 p.m. – Church Council Meeting, CR
20 - 7:30 a.m. – WMVR radio program; 9:30 a.m. – Worship, Communion
23 - 6:00 p.m. – Crimson Belles Christmas in July dinner
24 - 11:30 a.m. – Bible Study, CR
27 - 7:30 a.m. – WMVR radio program; 9:30 a.m. – Worship; 6:00 p.m. – Vacation Bible School
28 - 6:00 p.m. – Vacation Bible School
29 - 6:00 p.m. – Vacation Bible School
30 - 6:00 p.m. – Vacation Bible School
31 - 11:30 a.m. – Bible Study, CR; 6:00 p.m. – Vacation Bible School