These days, people are really getting worried about the price of gas. Since petroleum affects many of our food products, there is also the fear of escalating grocery costs. Consequently people are driving less, doubling up on errands and taking fewer long trips. I never cease to be amazed at the spirit of American citizens who seem to have the ability to adjust to changing times.But there are also the naysayers, those who see nothing but gloom and doom. Since they are filled with fear they hold back, give less to charitable organizations and resist going to events that might be “out of the way.”

When I was in college gas was only 35 cents a gallon. But, the cost of attending college was only $3,000 a year. Now it costs $20-30,000 a year. Gas is not the only thing that has gone up.The high cost of living is causing some folks to lose their faith. Since there seems to be no end to the rising prices some folks believe God has abandoned us or doesn’t care.

There is no need to be anxious because God is still with us, or in other words, “The light is still burning.”

At the fire station in Livermore, California there is a light that always stays lit. The over-sized, orange-tinted, hand-blown light bulb was first illumined at the Livermore, California fire station in 1901.
Dennis Bernal, the owner of Livermore Power and Light and the manufacturer of the light bulb, donated the bulb to the fire hall so that when the fire alarm sounded in the middle of the night the firemen would not have to stumble around in the dark. With only a 4 watt filament, it wasn't exactly a dazzling display of light. But the bulb made it possible for the firefighters to get out of the hall to fight fires without fumbling in the dark to light fires for their kerosene lamps. The longevity of the Livermore Light stems from three factors. First, it has very low wattage. For the same reason that low calorie diets lead to longer life, low wattage light bulbs lead to longer life. Second, it has not been constantly turned on and off. In fact, it has been turned off only three times during the 107 years it has been burning.
Third, and perhaps most importantly, it was manufactured with a perfect seal. This means that the vacuum has been maintained over these many years, which keeps the filament from disintegrating.

In order to safeguard the bulb, the "Livermore Light" now has its own generator and back-up generator. It also has a protective cage around it. It also has its own fan club. The current fire chief has promised that any firefighter who breaks the bulb will have a very short career in putting out fires.

"Don't worry, the light is still burning" is the headline that greets visitors to the homepage of this one very special light bulb. You can visit www.centennialbulb.org, the web site dedicated to keeping track of the world's longest burning light-bulb.

Don’t worry, gas prices may be rising but God has not abandoned us. Don’t worry, the Church on the Hill continues to minister to the community and conducts weekly worship services with full power. "Don't worry, the light's still burning."
Blessings and peace, Dr. Keith Wagner

Crimson Belles
On May 7th, the Crimson Belles hosted a Day in May tea. I’d like to say a special thank you to Judy Helmlinger for chairing the tea and to all the Belles who helped make it so special. I’ve heard many good things about our tea and many Red Hatters from other groups hope we have another one next year. It always means so much to know all your hard work is appreciated.

June 1st, the Belles are hosting coffee hour.

One June 4th we will be celebrating our 4th birthday at Janet Eshleman’s house. Our theme this year is Teddy Bear’s Picnic, so bring your favorite toy and a story why it is so special. Please be there by 6:00 p.m. and bring a picnic food to share. Meat and drinks will be furnished. This year we are having a Bazaar and you may bring anything you may like to sell (please price and initial them). Ask Queen Judy for any particulars. A percentage of what you sell (you decide) will go for pet food for the animal shelter. Or a donation would be just fine too!

Anna IGA has promised to match us dollar for dollar again this year. Last year gave over 300 pounds of pet food to the shelter.

July 2nd is our Meet and Eat.

July 23 is Christmas in July at Vivian Goins. We will meet at CJ Highmarks at 6:00 p.m. for dinner then back to Vivian’s for dessert and fun. Call Vivian for information.

August 6th is a good day for a Reduation! Hey Jenny, how old will you be? Our Pinky is going Red! You know we love you.

On August 22nd the Senior Center Divas are planning a trip to Bear Creek. It costs $18.50 lunch included. Please let me know if you can go by June 4th.

The Crimson Belles always welcome new members. Hope you can join us!
Joyfully, Queen Judy Fogt.

Council Briefs
Roof repairs on south side have been completed.

Outdoor work session, including weeding and shrubbery maintenance, will be Saturday, June 21st, beginning at 9:00 a.m. Help from the congregation is welcome.

All scholarship applications will be reviewed at the July meeting of the Endowment Committee.

A volunteer is still needed to chair Vacation Bible School.

25 completed surveys have been returned to the Christian Education Youth Committee for study and consideration.

Megan Mummey was the winner of the afghan raffle which raised $102.00 for the exterior building fund.

Dr. Wagner & Kent Smith will attend the Ohio Conference in Tiffin on Monday, June 9th.

Treasurer’s Report
Income $13,783.85
Expenses $15,760.54

SPIRIT Group News
The SPIRIT Group wishes to thank everyone who sent their donations for this year’s budget. To date, donations amount to $2,135.00 which will be used for projects around the church and for local and other missions.

At the gathering of Church Women United in May our church gave $25.56 in pennies to Least Coin. A container can be found in the outer Narthex for pennies for next year’s donations.

Vacation Bible School – July 27-31
Contact Mary Ann Yinger for more information @ 937-493-0043 or email @ myinger@woh.rr.com.

Strengthen the Church
We hear spirited voices speaking about God's deeds in our midst: reaching out to new communities, new immigrants, and new populations through new church starts, mobilizing youth and young adult leaders, and calling new generations to ministry in our increasingly diverse church.

Through our gifts to Strengthen the Church, our spirited voices speak about God's deeds of power.
Through our gifts to “Strengthen the Church,” we further our commitment to be a multiracial, multicultural church, open and affirming and accessible to all. We strengthen and renew existing congregations. We fund leadership for new congregations. We provide exciting new programs for youth and young adults. We fund leadership development for the whole church.
Your generous gifts are used, half by your Conference and half by Local Church Ministries, for these purposes. Please give to the “Strengthen the Church”. An envelope is enclosed with this newsletter for your donation or you may pick an envelope up at the Hospitality desk.

Back to School With God Camp Needs your Help!
We are all feeling the financial crunch due to rising gas costs. The church is also feeling the crunch. The Back to School with God Camp will be held August 15th thru August 17th. Last year we had 27 children and 9 chaperones. We expect even larger numbers this year. We need some help, financially. If you would like to help send the children to this worthwhile camp, please mark your donations: “Back to School with God Camp”, and place them in the offering plate or turn them into the office. We anticipate needing almost $1,500.00 in donations. Anything you can give will be much appreciated. Any questions? Call Angie Mentges at 498-8085.

Congratulations Graduates!
The following young men and women will graduate this year from High School or college.

Michael Seeger – graduated from Sidney High School. He is the son of Randy and Lisa. Michael will be attending The Ohio State University in the fall, majoring in Civil Engineering.

Emma VanMatre – graduated from Sidney High School. She is the daughter of Greg and Jenny. Emma will be attending Ball State University in the fall.

Megan Mummey – graduated from Urbana University majoring in Athletic Training. Megan is the daughter of Russ and Martha Mummey.

Megan Berlekamp – graduated from Bowling Green State University (December 2007), majoring in Education. She is the daughter of Becky Berlekamp.

Amy Rose – graduated from Edison Community College with an associate’s degree in nursing. Amy is the daughter of Samy & Sandy Rose.

Blanket Sunday Special Persons Tribute
In memory of: Lowell Baker, Kay Pellman and Helen Chambers
…………….……..Dorothy Baker
In honor of our grandchildren
…………………………….Bonnie & Paul Borders
In memory of our mothers and grandmothers
…………………….. Paul, Vivian and Jeff Goins
In memory of Charlotte Greer…………..Lee Greer
In honor of our children and grandchildren
………………………..…..Darlene & Pete Molitor
In memory of Dr. George Schroer…….Peg Schroer
In memory of Charles, Ethel & Ross Smith
……………………………………..….Kent Smith
In memory of Verneda Cook…… Deanna Slife

Natural Disasters—UCC Is There
The church, supported by gifts from members, is committed to both early relief and long-term rehabilitation. It is often said that when the TV cameras, Red Cross and the UN leave a disaster situation, the church stays. Tornados, floods, cyclones, hurricanes, fires--whenever you hear of disaster on the news, you can KNOW that your dollars through your church are already engaged. Myanmar, China, Alabama, Missouri--wherever there is need, you are there through your gifts. Because we have partnerships throughout the USA and throughout the world, we have contacts nearby who assess and receive and administer relief. The funds to respond exist because you give to OCWM (Our Church’s Wider Mission) and One Great Hour of Sharing and special appeals.

Whenever you are concerned about how the United Church of Christ and related churches are helping with a new disaster, check the United Church of Christ (ucc.org), Ohio Conference (ocucc.org), Church World Service (cws.org) or Global Ministries (globalministries.org) websites. Your gifts will be at work initially and, if needed, will continue for years at work in rehabilitation or development to prevent future crises.

This past week a group of 26 adults were on a SONKA mission trip doing rehabilitation construction work in New Orleans – 2.5 years after Katrina hit. The UCC there has received teams from all over the country and has had responsibility for rehabilitating about 300 sites. The SONKA group worked at four of the current two dozen the UCC is responsible for. The organizing of all these volunteers, and supplying work materials, a place to stay, etc. are part of your dollars at work in that location. It is also exemplary of what is happening elsewhere.

Thank you for giving before and now and in the future. It is good. I hope this has answered some of your questions.
Ruth M. Brandon, Association Minister

Mary Esther Circle
Lunch and a meeting is scheduled for Monday, June 16th at 12:00 noon at St. Paul’s in the Fellowship hall.

Welcome New Members
Tiffany Kemp – 4420 Stoker Rd. Houston. Tiffany has three children, Alyssa, Brianna and Emma. She is a student in the field of Human Services.

Heather McClain – 2170 Westminster, Sidney. Married to Chad, who works at Advanced Composites. The McClain’s have five children; Collin, Brennan, Blaine, Lindsey and Brice. Heather works at American Honda in Troy.

Phyllis Roy - 828 N. Main St., Sidney. Phyllis is the mother of Samantha Schwietzer. She works at Clean All Corporation.

Lee and Samantha Schwietzer, 908 N. Main St., Sidney. Lee works at Lowe’s and Samantha works at Fairhaven as a nurse. They have to girls, Alysse and Zoe.

Marilyn Young – 2360 Wapakoneta Ave., Apt 309. Marilyn is a retired Speech Therapist. She is also a board member for Habitat for Humanity.

A Christian Father’s Ten Commandments
1. Thou shalt hold no other group more important than the family unit; in all the ways being faithful to it.
2. Thou shalt teach thy sons and daughters to love, respect and obey their parents.
3. Thou shalt be a loving and considerate husband.
4. Thou shalt not speak in a manner unbecoming to a Christian.
5. Thou shalt make Sunday a day set aside for God and worship as a family.
6. Thou shalt provide for thy family---spiritually and physically.
7. Thou shalt promote and lead family worship in thy home.
8. Thou shalt be honest in all thy dealings.
9. Thou shalt respect the desires and freedoms of thy family members as individuals.
10. Thou shalt be the head of thy household, while ruling it with love.
From The Newsletter Newsletter

June Birthdays
1 Lillian Motsinger, John Sargeant, Michael Curtner, Gina Skorupski
3 Ralph Jung, Dustin Hittepole, Kayli Barlow
4 Norma Vordemark
5 Jeffrey Gillman
6 Brent Grieves
7 Carly Wagner
8 Betty Yanda, Cheryl Kies
9 Marjorie Dunnavant, Julie Maurer, Blake Wagner
10 Tom Wyer, Dylan Whiteside
11 Don Shatto, James Wise
12 Emily Bogue
14 Sue Spangler
15 Mike Climer, Greg VanMatre, Damon Longrus
16 Betty Hollenbacher, John P. Wearly, Nicole Pleiman
17 Zach Rossman
18 Dale Shoemaker, Vivian Goins, Elaine Williams, Robert Shoemaker
19 Jeff Deatherage, Deb Wyer
20 Sharon Boss
21 Andy Minniear, Adam Neth
23 Gladys Cain, Janet Eshleman
24 Ann Jackson, Phil Wise
25 David Hollenbacher, Alivia Meyers
26 Jenny VanMatre, Eric Boerger
27 Daniel Neth
28 Don Lauth
30 Polly Davis

Saturday Morning Volunteer Work Day
In an effort to keep the church beautiful we ask that you come to the church on Saturday, June 21st, at 9:00 a.m., to help with tasks around the church, such as painting, yard work and general maintenance outdoors.
If you can help or have questions, please call the church office at 492-8540. Thanks!
The Trustees

June Anniversaries
2 Marie & Rob Russell
4 Kim & John Parfait
5 Kathy & Kevin Gillman
7 Dorothy & Ralph Boss
9 Lisa & Craig Greer
11 Joann & Jack Bales, Heather & John Goubeaux
15 Carolyn & Ralph Jung
17 Kathleen & Robert Boykin, Jenny & Joe Wagner
18 Barb & Dale Shoemaker, Barb & Bill O’Dell, Lin & Keith Wagner, Donna & Robert Shoemaker
19 Genevieve & Walter Motsinger, Polly & Robert Davis, Wendy & Roger Holthaus
20 Cathy & Bob Barnes
23 Shelly & Greg Coverstone
24 Vivian & Paul Goins
26 Kelli & Mike Stewart
29 Lisa & Randy Seeger

Bake Sale
A bake sale will be held on Sunday, June 1st, during coffee hour. All proceeds go to Agape Food Ministry.

Holy Baptism
Aubrie May and Kyrsten Ann Coyer were baptized during the worship service on Sunday, May 18th. They are the children of Sarah and Mike Coyer.

Ohio Conference Annual Gathering
The Annual Gathering is just around the corner, June 8-10 at Heidelberg College in Tiffin, OH. “Vital Signs—the Pulse of the Church” will be the theme, with keynote speaker Rev. Kenneth Samuel of Victory Church in Stone Mountin, GA. In addition, a church professional event with Rev. Michael Piazza of the Cathedral of Hope UCC in Dallas is scheduled.

Sympathies to:
To: Bob Davis and family on the death of his mother, Sylvia W. Davis. She died on Tuesday, May 6, 2008 at the age of 81.

To: Warrene Smith and family on the death of her mother, Ruth Smith. She died on Thursday, May 8, 2008 at the age of 88. Her husband, Rev. Warren Smith was interim minister at St. Paul’s in 1990.

To: Rick Holloway and family on the death of his sister, Betty R. Booth. She died on Tuesday, May 20, 2008 at the age of 57.

Worship Services - June
Ushers for the month are: Jim Stockstill, (head usher), Paul Goins, Vivian Goins, Chris Rossman, Mike Climer, Ron Hill, Kathy Ferree, and Steve Ferree.

June 1 – 9:30AM
Sermon – “Rock-Like Living”
Matthew 7:21-29
Worship Leader – Marijane Meade
Piano solo – Jennifer Billing-Martz
Greeters – Roger & Janet Aschenbach
Children’s Message – Meggan Weaver
Children’s Church – Sherri Overholser & Jenny Coverstone

Coffee Hour Sponsors – Crimson Belles Red Hat Society.

June 8
Sermon - “Traveling with God”
Genesis 12:1-9
Worship Leader – Kent Smith
String Duet – Jenni Fogt and Corrine Hohenstein
Greeters – Bob & Ann Spillers
Children’s Message – Heather Goubeaux
Children’s Church – Julie Maurer & Heather Goubeaux

June 15 – Graduate Sunday & Father’s Day
Sermon – “Father Abraham’s Surprise”
Genesis 18:1-15
Worship Leader – Jenny VanMatre
Interpretive Dance – Andrea Day
Greeter – Charles & Mary Leonard
Children’s Message – Angie Mentges
Children’s Church –

June 22
Sermon – “Not Easy to Let Go”
Genesis 21:8-21
Worship Leader – Marie Russell
Special Music – Betty Heintz
Greeters – Steve & Kathy Ferree
Children’s Message – Kent Smith
Children’s Church – Meggan Weaver

June 29
Sermon – “Courageous Faith”
Genesis 22:1-14
Worship Leader – Jenny Coverstone
Special Music – Amanda Hughes, flute
Greeters – Jerry & Doris Coverstone
Children’s Message – Keith Wagner
Children’s Church – Jenny Wagner & Mary Ann Yinger

Hospitalized
Forrest Rose, Wilson Memorial

Attendance and Offerings
May 4 – 175 - $3,841.25
May 11 – 177 - $2,021.50
May 18 – 179 - $3,223.80
May 25 – 197 - $2,528.00

I Have Learned
• That life is like a roll of toilet paper. The closer it gets to the end, the faster it goes.
• That friendship is the golden thread that ties all hearts together.
• That we should be glad God doesn’t give us everything we ask for.
• That money doesn’t buy class.
• That it’s those small happenings that make life so special.
• That under everyone’s hard shell is someone who wants to be appreciated and loved.
• That the Lord didn’t do it all in one day. What makes me think I can?
• That to ignore the facts does not change the facts.
• That the less time I have to work the more things I get done.
• That a good friend will come bail you out of jail, but a true friend will be sitting next to you saying “WE screwed up, but we had fun!”
From Dorothy Love “Love Notes”

June Calendar
1 - 7:30AM – WMVR radio broadcast; 9:30AM – worship, Coffee Hour, FH
4 - 6:00PM – Red Hat Birthday party, Janet Eshleman’s house
5 - 11:00AM – Bible study, CR
8 - 7:30AM – WMVR radio broadcast; 9:30AM – worship
9 - Ohio Conference, Heidelberge College, Tiffin OH
10 - 5:30PM – Habitat for Humanity Meeting, CR
12 - 11:00AM – Bible study, CR
13 - 6:00PM - Ault & Hoffman wedding rehearsal
14 - 1:30PM - Lindsey Ault & Jason Hoffman wedding and reception
15 - 7:30AM – WMVR radio broadcast; 9:30AM – worship
16 - 12:00PM – Mary Esther Circle; 7:00PM – Church Council meeting, CR
19 - 11:00AM – Bible study, CR
21 - 9:00AM – Curch Work session
22 - 7:30AM – WMVR radio broadcast; 9:30AM – worship
26 - 11:00AM – Bible study, CR
29 - 7:30AM – WMVR radio broadcast; 9:30AM – worship