Easter will be here before you know it. It’s a joyous time, when families come together, when flowers and candy and colorful decorations are everywhere. It’s the watershed season for the church as we celebrate the living Christ in our midst.

For me, Easter is that time of year which reminds us of newness, spring and resurrection. Winter is almost gone and springtime is in the air. People are wearing bright and beautiful clothing, their winter clothing stowed away for another season. Everyone seems to be smiling, and children are excited.

On Easter at St. Paul’s the sanctuary will be filled with sweet smelling flowers. The music will be upbeat and moving. Lots of folks will be in worship, some who we haven’t seen for awhile. There will also be some strangers in our midst.

Easter reminds me of the cycles of life. Here in Ohio we experience the seasons and spring is synonymous with Easter. I never ceased to be amazed of the power of the God who is able to produce new flowers from the ground that was only recently totally frozen. It won’t be long until the trees begin to bud and the grass turns green.

For many, springtime is clean-up time. Old things will be thrown out and new things will take their place. Lawn mowers will be sharpened and tuned and fertilizer will be spread on the ground. All of us will be watching less TV and spending more time out of doors.

Thankfully, shoveling snow will end and salt covered roadways will be washed with spring time rains. There will be less complaining about cold weather and the elderly will be free to walk on dry sidewalks. Children will be throwing baseballs and kicking soccer balls and they will no longer be wearing gloves and boots.

Like all of you I am ready to put my winter coat away for good and start wearing jackets again. No more corduroy and turtle neck sweaters.

Easter is the season of change and newness. Once again we are reminded of God’s power to give us new life. Death does not have the last word. Easter means new beginnings and the end of what was.

Although we can’t do anything about the seasons of life, we can live as though Easter happens every day. Resurrection doesn’t have to be a once-a-year event. Newness is possible anytime because the grace and forgiveness of God are a constant and year-around-gift from God.

With God we can relinquish old habits anytime. We can let go of our sins and experience rebirth since God loves us always.

It’s difficult to be upbeat during the long, dark, and cold winters of life. But God’s spirit can enter our lives in any season. In faith we can make changes that improve our lives. In faith we can choose to be more loving. In faith we can have the assurance that God wants newness for us every day of our lives.

The grace of God is not limited to Easter Sunday. The grace of God showers upon us in every season of the year. May the grace of God bless you this Easter and throughout the rest of the year.
Peace and blessings, Dr. Keith Wagner

Council Highlights
Council is working on the purchase of an outside security camera, monitors for the two church offices, and new locks for church doors.
The audit of church financial records has been completed with all accounts found to be in order.
Articles and volunteer names for the newsletter need to be turned in to the office by the 20th of each month.
An Easter Brunch chairperson is needed.
Income for January was $11,234.27 and expenses were $16,972.82.
The next council meeting is Monday, March 10, at 7:00 p.m.
Submitted by Kent Smith, Council Recording Secretary

Task Force
A task force or ad hoc committee regarding the Christian Education program at St. Paul’s is being formed under the direction of Church council. This was decided at our meeting February 11, 2008.
Council is hoping to hear from different age groups as to how or what is desired in the area of keeping our children involved in Christian Education.
Anyone interested in contributing ideas or participating on the task force or ad hoc committee please contact me.
Respectfully, Vivian Goins, Council President

Many Thanks
To: Fred Santo for refinishing the baptismal font.

To: Lin Wagner for donating a microwave for the kitchenette.

Easter Brunch
Church council is looking for someone interested in being chairperson or co-chairperson for a brunch held between the early service and the 10:15 a.m. service on Easter Sunday, March 23, 2008.
In the past, the brunch consisted of colored hard-boiled eggs, coffee cakes and beverages, all of which were donated.
If anyone is interested in being in charge, please contact the church office by March 10, 2008. If there is no interest shown, the brunch will be cancelled per council’s decision on February 11, 2008.
Vivian Goins, On behalf of church council

Thank You
Thank you for all the prayers and support during Earl’s illness and death. We appreciate each of you during this time. The family also thanks the church for the use of the wheel chair.
Mary Schmidt and family

Congratulations
On Tuesday, January 29th, Addison Jayne Berlekamp was born. She is the daughter of Megan Berlekamp.

Sympathies
To: Phil Walter and family on the death of Phil’s father, Henry J. Walter. He died on January 30th at the age of 86.

To: Greg Dietz and family on the death of his father, Marion Dietz. He died on Saturday, February 23rd, at the age of 88.

An Early Easter
Easter is always the 1st Sunday after the 1st full moon after the Spring Equinox (which is March 20). This dating of Easter is based on the lunar calendar that Hebrew people used to identify Passover, which is why it moves around on our Roman calendar.
Here's the interesting info. This year is the earliest Easter any of us will ever see the rest of our lives! And only the most elderly of our population have ever seen it this early (95 years old or above!). And none of us have ever, or will ever, see it a day earlier! Here's the facts:

1) The next time Easter will be this early (March 23) will be the year 2228 (220 years from now). The last time it was this early was 1913 (so if you're 95 or older, you are the only ones that were around for that!).
2) The next time it will be a day earlier, March 22, will be in the year 2285 (277 years from now). The last time it was on March 22 was 1818. So, no one alive today has or will ever see it any earlier than this year!
Submitted by Mary Morrison

Salvation
Longfellow could take a sheet of paper, write a poem on it and make it worth sixty thousand dollars. That is talent.
Rockefeller could sign a piece of paper and make it worth millions. That is capital.
A mechanic can take material worth $5 and make it into an article worth $50. That is skill.
A merchant can buy an article for eighty cents, put in on his counter and sell it for a dollar. That is business.
God can take a worthless, sinful life, wash it, cleanse it, put the Holy Spirit within it and make it a blessing to all humanity. That is salvation.
Author Unknown

Can You Help?
We will be arranging the Easter Memorial Garden on Saturday, March 22nd, at 9:00 a.m. All are invited to come and join in the fun and fellowship. Refreshments will be served.
Jenny Coverstone, Worship deacon

One Great Hour of Sharing
Gifts to the One Great Hour of Sharing offering provide emergency relief, promote sustainable development, and enable people to build better lives for their families and communities. Nine denominations and Church World Service join together in this offering. Like the gifts of God, our gifts multiply as we share.
Give help, give hope, give life and please give generously to One Great Hour of Sharing. An envelope is enclosed with this newsletter or you may pick up an envelope at the Hospitality Desk for your donation.

The Wooden Bowl
You will remember the tale of the Wooden Bowl, tomorrow, a week from now, a month from now, a year from now.
A frail old man went to live with his son, daughter-in-law, and four-year-old grandson. The old man's hands trembled, his eyesight was blurred, and his step faltered.
The family ate together at the table. But the elderly grandfather's shaky hands and failing sight made eating difficult. Peas rolled off his spoon onto the floor. When he grasped the glass, milk spilled on the tablecloth.
The son and daughter-in-law became irritated with the mess. "We must do something about father," said the son. "I've had enough of his spilled milk, noisy eating, and food on the floor."
So the husband and wife set a small table in the corner. There, Grandfather ate alone while the rest of the family enjoyed dinner. Since Grandfather had broken a dish or two, his food was served in a wooden bowl.
When the family glanced in Grandfather's direction, sometimes he had a tear in his eye as he sat alone. Still, the only words the couple had for him were sharp admonitions when he dropped a fork or spilled food. The four-year-old watched it all in silence.
One evening before supper, the father noticed his son playing with wood scraps on the floor. He asked the child sweetly, "What are you making?" Just as sweetly, the boy responded, "Oh, I am making a little bowl for you and Mama to eat your food in when I grow up."
The four-year-old smiled and went back to work. The words so struck the parents that they were speechless. Then tears started to stream down their cheeks. Though no word was spoken, both knew what must be done.
That evening the husband took Grandfather's hand and gently led him back to the family table. For the remainder of his days he ate every meal with the family. And for some reason, neither husband nor wife seemed to care any longer when a fork was dropped, milk spilled, or the tablecloth soiled.
I've learned that, no matter what happens, how bad it seems today, life does go on and it will be better tomorrow.
I've learned that you can tell a lot about a person by the way he handles four things: a rainy day, the elderly, lost luggage, and tangled Christmas tree lights.
I've learned that, regardless of your relationship with your parents, you'll miss them when they're gone from your life.
I've learned that making a "living" is not the same thing as making a "life." I've learned that life sometimes gives you a second chance.
I've learned that you shouldn't go through life with a catcher's mitt on both hands. You need to be able to throw something back.
I've learned that if you pursue happiness, it will elude you. But, if you focus on your family, your friends, the needs of others, your work and doing the very best you can, happiness will find you.
I've learned that whenever I decide something with an open heart, I usually make the right decision.
I've learned that even when I have pains, I don't have to be one.
I've learned that every day, you should reach out and touch someone. People love that human touch, holding hands, a warm hug, or just a friendly pat on the back.
I've learned that I still have a lot to learn.
I've also learned that you should pass this on to everyone you care about.
Author unknown
Submitted by Mary Morrison

Definitions
Antiques - Furniture that is too old for poor folks but just the right age for rich folks.
Arthritis - Twinges in the hinges.
Budget - The family’s attempt to live below their yearnings.
Candidate - A person who asks for money from the wealthy and votes from the poor to protect them from each other.
Class Reunion - Where everyone gets together to see who is falling apart.
Desk - A waste basket with drawers.
Endless - The time it takes for people to find out how wonderful you are.
Garage - An attic on the lower level.
Husband - A man of few words.
Middle Age - That period of life when getting ahead is staying even.
Neighbor - A person who is out of something.
Optimist - A person who enjoys the scenery on a detour.
Prejudice - A great time saver that enables one to form opinions without getting the facts.
Rummage Sale - A place where you buy stuff from other people’s attics to put in your own.
Self-control - The ability to carry a credit card in your wallet and never use it.
From: Speaker’s and Toastmaster’s Handbook. Prima Publishing, 1993

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Easter Flower Order
Orders for the Easter Memory Garden are now being accepted. Fill out the order blank and return it
with payment no later than Sunday, March 16th. Make check payable to the "St. Paul's Flower Fund".

In Memory of
In Honor of
Tulips $8.00
Hyacinths $8.00
Daffodils $8.00
Mums $10.00
Azaleas $18.00
Easter Lilies $8.00
Easter egg Mums
3-4 colors in 1 pot $10.00

Name:
Amt. Enclosed:
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Worship Services for March
USHERS for the month are: Tom Wyer, (head usher), Steve Harlamert, John Wearly, John P. Wearly, Robert Davis, Steve Wearly and Mike Martz.

March 2 – Installation of Officers
Sermon – “Seeing Clearly”
John 9:1-12
Worship Leader – Tom Dunnavant
Greeters – Barb & Rich Neer
Children’s Message – Meggan Weaver
Children’s Church – Children’s Choir rehearsal
Sherri Overholser & Meggan Weaver

Coffee Hour Sponsors – Marj & Tom Dunnavant, Kathy & Steve Ferree, Rebecca & Wally Gillman,
Barb & Ken Gloyeske, Cheryl & Elmer Kies, Deanna Slife, and Ann & Mike VanHorn.

March 9
Sermon - “A Voice You Can Be Sure Of”
John 11:32-45
Worship Leader – Heather Goubeaux
Greeters – Pam & Rick Holloway
Children’s Message – Heather Goubeaux
Children’s Church – Children’s Choir rehearsal
Sherri Overholser & Jenny Wagner

March 16 – Palm Sunday
Sermon – “Humility Rules!”
– Matthew 21:1-11
Worship Leader – Liz Custis
Greeters – MaryLane & Dale Harlamert
Children’s Message – Kent Smith
Children’s Church - Children’s Choir rehearsal
Sherri Overholser & Jenny Coverstone

March 20 – Maundy Thursday
Sermon – “Reciprocating Love”
John 13:1-17
Worship Leader – Vivian Goins
Greeters – Katie & John Wearly

March 23 - Easter - 8:15AM and 10:15AM
Sermon – “Believing the Unvelievable”
John 20:1-18
8:15 a.m. Worship Leader – Marie Stevens
8:15 a.m. Greeters – Marie & Rob Russell
10:15 a.m. Worship Leader – Dale Peterson
10:15 a.m. Greeters – Carol & Randy Wentz
Children’s Message – Keith Wagner
10:15 a.m. Children’s Church – Andrea Day & Mary Ann Yinger

March 30
Guest Minister – Rev. Al Marheine
John 20:19-31
Worship Leader – Heather Wood
Greeters – Lisa Heaton, Laruen & Layla
Children’s Message – Angie Mentges
Children’s Church – Nikki Adams & Pat Brown

Hospitalized
Mary Schmidt, Wilson Memorial Hospital
Bob Spillers, Lima Memorial Hospital
Viola Davis, Wilson Memorial Hospital
Rosemary Gold, Lima Memorial Hospital

Attendance and Offerings
Feb. 3 – 167 - $3,092.91
Mar.6 - 65 - $751.00
Mar.10 - 116 - $1,562.50
Mar.17 - 154 - $2,349.90
Mar.24 – 154 - $2,308.89

Lenten Folders
In preparation for Easter, Lenten folders are available at the Hospitality Desk. The proceeds go toward Our Church’s Wider Mission. Please be sure to pick up your Lenten folder as soon as possible.

March Birthdays
1 Lee Greer
2 Kyleigh Overbey
3 Dorothy Boss
4 Marie Neuman, Frank Neville
5 Paul Borders, Kent Smith, Amber Holloway
6 Wendy Holthaus
7 Ron Helmlinger, Nathan Day
8 Wendy Ward, Jennifer Barnes
9 Donald Anderson, Mark Curtner, Heather Wood
10 Rebecca Berlekamp
11 David Fogt
12 Derek Moore
13 Howard Schumann, Katlynn Geuy
15 Drake Beatty
16 Merle Frank
17 Peggy Deatherage, Megan Berlekamp
18 Janet Aschenbach, Steve Baker, Eric Barnes
19 Gail Rose-Schulte, Sherry Kloeker
20 Robert Curtner, Shelli Neth
21 Brian Geib
22 Steven Wearly, Emily Stewart
26 Paul Clark, Jean Boerger, Alexis King
27 Joyce Motsinger
28 Madison Skorupski, Alysha Maurer
29 Suzanne VanHorn
30 Barbara Motsinger, Emily Neville
31 Melinda Hiler

Mary Esther Circle
The Mary Esther Circle will meet on Monday, March 17th at 12:00 p.m. at the Holiday Inn for lunch and a meeting. Wear your green for St. Patrick’s Day. All women are welcome to attend!

Installation of Officers
On Sunday, March 2nd, church council members will be installed during the worship service.

Baptism
On February 3rd, Dominic John Hittepole was baptized during the worship service. His parents are Dustin & Elizabeth Hittepole.

March Anniversaries
15 Melinda & Mike Hiler
20 Lois & George Moorman
24 Christina & Chad Slonaker
25 Jane & Dale Peterson
28 Rebecca & John Kenton
31 Debra & Tom Wyer

Easter Children’s Choir
The children will be practicing during Children’s church March 2nd, 9th, and 16th for their upcoming performance on Easter Sunday during the 10:15 a.m. service. All children are welcome to attend.

Palm Sunday Parade
On Sunday, March 16th, the children are to meet in the Fireside Room at approximately 10:00 a.m. This is where they will get their palm branches for the church service.

Easter Celebration
During Children’s Church on Sunday, March 23rd, there will be an Easter celebration. All children are welcome to attend.

Summer Camp
If anyone is interested in Summer Church Camps, please contact Mary Ann Yinger at 726-5494.

Vacation Bible School
It is never too early to think about Vacation Bible School. If anyone is interested in volunteering or can help coordinate this year’s event, please contact Mary Ann Yinger.

March Calendar
2 - 7:30 a.m. – WMVR radio broadcast; 9:00 a.m. – Adult Sunday School, FH; 10:15 a.m. – Worship; Coffee Hour, Fellowship Hall
4 - 7:00 p.m. – Sweet Adelines, Fellowship Hall
5 - 10:00 a.m. – Crimson Belles Meet-N-Eat; 7:00 p.m. – Choir practice, choir room
6 - 11:00 a.m. – Bible Study, Conference room
8 - 10:30 a.m. – Joe Stump Memorial service; 3:00 p.m. – Wood/McKinney wedding
9 - 7:30 a.m. – WMVR radio broadcast; 9:00 a.m. – Adult Sunday School, FH; 10:15 a.m. – Worship
10 - 7:00 p.m. – Church Council Meeting, CR
11 - 5:30 p.m. – Habitat for Humanity Meeting, CR; 7:00 p.m. – Sweet Adelines, Fellowship Hall
13 - 11:00 a.m. – Bible Study, Conference room
16 - 7:30 a.m. – WMVR radio broadcast; 9:00 a.m. – Adult Sunday School, FH; 10:15 a.m. – Palm Sunday Worship; 11:15 a.m. – Christian Education Meeting, Resource room
17 - 12:00 p.m. – Mary Esther Circle, Holiday Inn
18 - 7:00 p.m. – Sweet Adelines, Fellowship Hall
19 - 6:30 p.m. – Choir practice, choir room
20 - 11:00 a.m. – Bible Study, Conference room; 6:30 p.m. – Choir practice; 7:30 p.m. – Maundy Thursday worship service, communion
21 - GOOD FRIDAY
23 - 7:30 a.m. – WMVR radio broadcast; Easter Worship- 8:15 a.m. – 10:15 a.m. –
25 - 7:00 p.m. – Sweet Adelines, Fellowship Hall
26 - 7:00 p.m. – Choir practice, choir room
27 - 11:00 a.m. – Bible Study, Conference room
30 - 7:30 a.m. – WMVR radio broadcast; 9:00 a.m. – Adult Sunday School; 10:15 a.m. – Worship