Everyone is complaining about the rising cost of gas. We wonder when prices will stabilize. When I was in high school gas was only 29 cents per gallon. You frequently hear people lamenting about the good old days when prices were cheaper and life was simpler.

During the Exodus, the Israelites were wandering in the desert and there were times when they had no food to eat. They were angry at Moses and wanted him to do something. So God provided manna, a food source that would provide enough nourishment for their journey.

God told the Israelites to go out and "gather a portion for a single day". They were warned not to gather a surplus for it would spoil. The manna that God gave was good for that day. In other words, God provided what they needed.
It was not necessary to stockpile supplies or worry about tomorrow.

One time there was a man named Max who was traveling from New York City to Philadelphia. He got hungry and stopped at a roadside diner. He was moved by the presence of a man who appeared homeless and hungry. The old man seemed very despondent and Max ordered a baked apple and had the waitress deliver it to him.

Max left the diner and got back on the road. He thought to himself, "Why did I give him a baked apple?" But, he felt good about the gesture and proceeded on. Later that evening Max was run off the road by a huge truck and ended up in a ditch. The driver of the truck did not see him and for hours Max sat in his car unable to move.

No one noticed him down in the ditch until a young man spotted his car and called 911. Max was unconscious and they were so far from nowhere that the young man decided to take Max to his home. At the young man’s home Max finally came to and the young man said, “My God, that was some fall you took". Max was escorted to the kitchen table and in front of him was a baked apple.

God provides for us but we are not always aware of it. By living one day at a time we have far less stress in our lives. It is my experience that most people do not live one day at a time. Much energy is expended worrying about tomorrow. We stockpile goods and material out of fear of being without. We go bargain hunting, for fear of missing great deals. We actually feel guilty if we have to pay a premium price for something, punishing ourselves for passing up some golden opportunity.

The wilderness experience for the Israelites was not about food. It was about despair, the anxiety of surviving. The Israelites were so anxious that their memories were distorted. They remembered having enough food and drink in Egypt, but they had forgotten the abuse and oppression they experienced at the hand of the Egyptians. And so they complained and lamented over the good old days.

Moses continued to lead the Israelites to the land of promise. To go back would destroy them as a people and faith would disappear from the earth. God encouraged them to live one day at a time but to keep moving forward.

We don’t know how high gas prices will become. No doubt people will continue to drive and complain but many will make adjustments in order to cope with the changing conditions. All we can do is trust that God will be with us just as God was with the Israelites. God always provides and God wants us to live our lives one day at a time.
Blessings and Peace, Dr. Keith Wagner

Council Briefs
1. The security system has been installed and is working to everyone’s satisfaction.
2. Electrical changes and improvements have been completed throughout the church.
3. New members Sunday will be May 4th.
4. Roof repair needs are being worked on.
5. In the future, all credit card transactions by church members on church business have to be approved.
6. Thanks go to Jenny Coverstone, her Easter decorating committee, and to those who provided flowers for the occasion of Easter.
7. Pentecost Sunday with its traditional balloon launch will be May 18. The congregation is encouraged to wear red.
8. The Christian Education Youth Committee (formerly Christian Education Task Force) has conducted two meetings and is making steady progress.

Treasurer’s Report - March
Income - $16,736.02
Expenses - $21,352.66

New Security System
St. Paul’s now has a new security system. Both the church secretary and the pastor will be able to monitor anyone who comes to the building. There is also an intercom system that provides two-way communication. When you come to the church please use the door on the south side of the church (the door by the driveway). The door will remain locked but there is a button for you to press that will act as a door bell. Either the church secretary or the pastor will respond. The West door (the door by the parking lot) will only be open during worship and for special events. Thank you for your patience as we all adjust to our new system for entering the building.
Trustees

Do These Things This Week
On Monday:
Look for a smile today and return it with one of your own—Give someone new faith and hope…it’s such a beautiful loan!

On Tuesday:
Gather a thought that’s kind…one that’s sincere and deep…But be sure to pass it along, for such are too precious to keep!

On Wednesday:
Forget yesterday’s old sorrows, mistakes, sadness and pain—Lift your heart with hope and a song as flowers to sun and rain!

On Thursday:
Offer a word of comfort and prayer to help someone in need—A little thoughtful gift, some flowers or a smile make us all rich indeed!

On Friday:
You shall not pass this way again…so do any good you can do—Don’t put it off til tomorrow or the chance may be lost for you!

On Saturday:
Today will soon be a memory so don’t let it come to an end—Without a smile, without a song or just a word with a friend!

On Sunday:
Don’t let worry and care depress you or brush the day’s joy away—But rise and give thanks to GOD above for HIS love and another “Blest Day.”

Thank You!
I would like to thank everyone for their prayers, thoughts, cards and concerns on the death of my sister.
Lin Wagner

SPIRIT Group News
All women are invited to attend the Church Women United May Fellowship luncheon on Friday, May 2nd at 12:00 noon. This year’s luncheon is at First Christian Church, 320 E. Russell Rd. The Least Coin offering will be given at that time.
Marie Russell

Notes from Christian Education Deacon
Wanted: A family or group of volunteers who would like to organize the Pentecost Balloon Launch on May 18th following the worship service.

On June 15th we will be congratulating our seniors from high school and college. If you know of a church member that will be graduating, please turn their name into the office.

A few changes are taking place in the children’s nursery in the month of May. Jackie Lewis will be resigning as a nursery worker. Jackie has been with the church for one year and has provided our children with care and love during her time with us. Please take time to wish Jackie well and thank her for the time she has been with the children of our church’s future. Jackie’s last day will be May 4. Also be sure to congratulate her on her upcoming wedding that will take place on May 10th. Thank you and best wishes to Jackie. Amanda Horstman will be back this summer to work in the nursery along side Heather Werling.

We are looking for a leader for Vacation Bible School. If we are unable to find a leader for VBS, the Christian Education Committee is sorry to say that we will not be able to hold one this year. I am asking any one willing to lead VBS to contact the office or myself as soon as possible. Summer is just around the corner. This is a time for us to teach the children about Jesus and show them how to love, trust, honor and obey God.

A Christian Youth Committee has been formed. Please take the time to fill out the survey that was passed out on April 20th and turn it back to the church. They are asking for one word to better provide for the youth of our church.
Mary Ann Yinger

Mary Esther Circle
In May the Mary Esther Circle will meet on Monday, May 19th at 12:00 noon at the Pizza Hut Bistro for lunch and a meeting. All women are welcome to join us.
Marie Russell

A Note About Finances
In spite of all the negative talk about the economy the congregation of St. Paul’s has increased their giving by 4% over last year for the first quarter. The total giving through March 31, 2008 was $38,972. Last year for the same period the total giving was $37,414. For the first quarter of 2008 expenses are up almost 10%. Why? You guessed it, the price of gas. For the first quarter of 2007 the cost to heat the church was $6,934. This year the cost for the first quarter was $8,795.

The Church is also experiencing, “pain at the pump.” When you watch the figures on the gas pump go higher and higher, remember, they are also increasing just as much on the gas meter at the church.
When it comes to our automobiles we can drive less or run multiple errands in a single trip. The Church, however requires heat every day. The trustees of the Church have taken many measures to conserve energy. The reality is that the cost of fuel oil continues to rise.

Many folks drive to Piqua, Troy, Dayton, or Lima to eat at restaurants. If you drive to Troy for a meal, it will cost you about $7 in gas. If you reduced your commutes to restaurants once a week and pass those savings on to the Church, we could easily offset the rise in gas expense to the Church. Drive safely, drive wisely and don’t forget your Church that is parked on the hill.
Dr. Keith Wagner

Church World Service
The Blanket Program is an annual event at St. Paul’s. Last year we raised $535.00 toward the project. Thank you for your generous donations to this outreach ministry.

We hope that this year, everyone will continue to support the Blanket Program. For there will always be people around the globe who need our help.
Thank you, Marie Russell

SURVEY - ST. PAUL’S UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST
We are in the process of determining how we can meet the religious needs of our youth and accommodate the children of our church family. We value your help (young and old alike)
in guiding us in this process by taking the time to fill out this short survey now.

1. What type of activities/programs would you like to see available to our youth? Please prioritize these options with one being the most important to you.
________ Youth Group ________ Youth Choir ________ Bible Study
________ Youth Missions ________ Youth Involved In Worship________ Prayer Group

Other (please specify): _______________________________________________________________

2. What kind of time does your youth have available for church activities? Please check, if appropriate.
________ One hour per week ________ One hour per month
Other (please specify): _______________________________________________________________

3. What day of the week would be best for youth activities? ____________________________________

4. Would you like to see some young family group gatherings? Please check.
________ Parents Only ________ Include Children
a. What type of activities/meetings/programs would you like to see? Please check.
________ Ladies/Men’s Night Out ________ Seminars on family and youth
________ Cooking Ideas ________ Dinner Party/Carry-In
________ Game Night ________ Movie Review Night
Other (please specify): _______________________________________________________________

5. Would you be willing to participate with youth activities? Yes or No. Would you be willing to assist a leader with selected activities? Yes or No.
Would you be willing to assist with driving? Yes or No. Would you be willing to participate in any other way? Yes or No. (Please circle).

Other (please specify): _______________________________________________________________

6. Would you be willing to help out financially with any of the above activities for our youth? Yes or No.

7. What talents do you possess that might be used for an activity/program? Please check any that apply.
________ Photographer ________ Videographer ________ Leader
________ Artist ________ Party Planner ________ Crafts
________ Skits ________ Storyteller ________ Cooking
________ Cleaning ________ Making phone calls ________ Reporter
________ Organizing events ________ Movie Expert ________ Music
________ Home host ________ Game organizer ________ Mentoring
Other (please specify): _______________________________________________________________

Comments: ______________________________________________________________________________
Please place your completed survey at the hospitality desk, in the offering plate or mail to the church office.
The Christian Youth Committee would like to thank you for taking part in this very important survey. Please remember that it is your answers that will help make our committee successful.
Name: ____________________________________________ (optional)

May Birthdays
1 Katherine Ginn, Nancy Beckman, Amy Rose, Jeff Weaver
5 Scott Meyer, Corinne Grieves, Zoe Overholser
6 Ralph Boss, Ethan Pollard, Devan Wiford
7 Jacob Pierce
8 Sarah Wiseman, Lindsey Kidd
9 Dorothy Fischbach
10 Kevin Hittepole, Beth Deere, Dennis Hittepole
13 June Curtis, Sam Deatherage
14 Inez Emerson
15 Melanie Kuck, Laura Holloway, Morgan Hayes
16 Chris Clayton
18 Angie Mentges
20 Vandora Long, Brenda Thompson, Susan Mentges
21 Dale Harlamert, Robyn Deatherage, Kelli Stewart, Kara Molitor
22 Rosemary Gold, Jim Stockstill
23 Martha Mummey, Alivia Kaylor, Abby Kelly
24 Tiffany McMahan
25 Lisa Geuy, Andrea Day, Jocelyn White
26 Eugene Dammeyer, Amber Kaylor
28 Ciera Hayes
29 Jeanette Sargeant, Jennifer Seeger, Kim Wiehe-Kaylor
30 Richard Ward, Jack VanHorn

May Anniversaries
4 Paulette & Garret Rapp
6 Wendy & Michael Kastner
10 Nicole Harkins & Mike Henson
12 Shirley & Forrest Rose
15 Gina & John Skorupski
17 Jade & Matt Pulfer, Robyn & Don Lauth
18 Inez & Thomas Emerson
21 Dawn & Douglas Clayton
25 Doris & Jerry Coverstone
27 Bonnie & Paul Borders, Erica & Jeremy Blanford
31 Janet & Howard Schumann

Endowment Looking Forward to Awarding Scholarships!
If you are a member of St. Paul’s Church and have completed your Freshman year at college you may be eligible for a scholarship.Every summer,
the Endowment Committee awards scholarships to college students for fall enrollment. You must be a full time student and maintain a 2.5 grade point average.
There is no restriction of field of study. The deadline to apply is June 7, 2008. Be sure to stop by the church and pick up an application. They are available in the conference room.
The Endowment Committee

Sympathies
To: the Betty Yanda and family on the death of her brother, Frank Kindler. He died in Lancaster, PA. at the age of 85.

Memorial Sunday
On Sunday, May 25th, our worship service will include a special tribute to those members who have died in the past twelve months. We encourage relatives and friends to be present. Holy communion will be observed. The following persons will be remembered.
Milton Jahoda June 5, 2007
Michael F. Boller December 21, 2007
Earl E. Schmidt January 28, 2008

Congratulations!
Tiffany Wyer and David McMahan were married in the sanctuary on Saturday, April 12th. Tiffany is the daughter of Deb and Tom Wyer.

Baptism
On Sunday, April 13th, Addison Jayne Berlekamp was baptized during the worship service. She is the daughter of Megan Berlekamp.

One Flaw in Women

Women have strengths that amaze men.
They bear hardships and they carry burdens,
but they hold happiness, love and joy.
They smile when they want to scream.
They sing when they want to cry.
They cry when they are happy
and laugh when they are nervous.
They fight for what they believe in.
They stand up to injustice.
They don't take "no" for an answer
when they believe there is a better solution.
They go without so their family can have.
They go to the doctor with a frightened friend.
They love unconditionally.
They cry when their children excel
and cheer when their friends get awards.
They are happy when they hear about
a birth or a wedding.
Their hearts break when a friend dies.
They grieve at the loss of a family member,
yet they are strong when they
think there is no strength left.
They know that a hug and a kiss
can heal a broken heart.
Women come in all shapes, sizes and colors.
They'll drive, fly, walk, run or e-mail you
to show how much they care about you.
The heart of a woman is what makes the world keep turning.
They bring joy, hope and love.
They have the compassion and ideas.
They give moral support to their
family and friends.
Women have vital things to say
and everything to give.
HOWEVER, IF THERE IS ONE FLAW IN WOMEN, IT IS THAT THEY FORGET THEIR WORTH.

Worship Services for May
USHERS for the month are: Frank Neville, (head usher), Jim Brentlinger, Dennis Clayton, Barbara Neville, David Neville, Jonathon Neville, and David Kemp.

May 4
Sermon – “One With God”
John 17:1-11
Worship Leader – Andrea Day & Shelbie Anderson
Greeters – Sherri Martens and family
Children’s Message – Heather Goubeaux
Children’s Church – Sherri Overholser, Primary
Heather Goubeaux, El-Jr.

Coffee Hour Sponsors – Heather Goubeaux and Andrea Day, Connie & Steve Harlamert, Mary Lane & Dale Harlamert, Pam & Rick Holloway, Angie & Bill Mentges, Shelbie Anderson, Louanne & Jim Stockstill, and Carol & Randy Wentz.

May 11 – Mother’s Day
Sermon - “The Significant Other”
Genesis 2:15-23
Worship Leader – Lisa Geuy
Greeters – Deanna Slife & Karen Mroz
Children’s Message – Meggan Weaver
Children’s Church – Julie Maurer, Primary;
Meggan Weaver, El-Jr.

May 18 – Pentecost Sunday
Sermon – “Gifts of the Spirit”
I Corinthians 12:4-13
Worship Leader – Don Anderson
Greeter – Pat Brown
Children’s Message – Angie Mentges
Children’s Church – Jenny Wagner, Primary; Mary Ann Yinger, El-Jr.

May 25 – Memorial Sunday
Sermon – Living for Today”
Matthew 6:24-34
Worship Leader – Kathleen Anderson
Greeters – Betty Bennett & Peg Schroer
Children’s Message – Kent Smith
Children’s Church – Kim Parfait, El-Jr.

Hospitalized
Vandora Long, Wilson Memorial Hospital
LaRue Nolte, Wilson Memorial Hospital
Peggy Baker, Wilson Memorial
Pat Wenrick, Miami Valley Hospital
Rosie Gold, Wilson Memorial Hospital

Attendance and Offerings
Mar. 30- 144 - $2,217.00
Apr. 6 – 177 - $4,638.11
Apr. 13 – 191 - $2,251.00
Apr. 20 – 157 - $3,060.00
Apr. 27 – 145 - $2,542.50

Blanket Sunday
Your Blanket Sunday gifts make a world of difference for millions of people around the globe. On Mothers’ Day, Sunday, May 11th, we will observe Blanket Sunday. Please support this project by giving a $5.00 donation to the Church World Service Blanket Program. This year you may designate your blanket in honor or memory someone. A list of names will then be published in June’s newsletter. Please use the following form.
Blanket SundaySpecial Persons Tribute

In honor of ______________________
In memory of ____________________
Name __________________________

Return this form and your donation in the envelope that is included with this newsletter. There will also be forms and envelopes at the Hospitality desk.
The SPIRIT Group

May Calendar
1 - 11:00 a.m. – Bible Study, CR
2 - 12:00 p.m. – CWU May Fellowship Luncheon, First Christian Church; 5:30p.m. – Spriggs & Bailey wedding rehearsal
3 - 2:30 p.m. – Spriggs & Bailey wedding
4 - 7:30 a.m. – WMVR radio broadcast; 9:00 a.m. – Adult Sunday School; 10:15 a.m. – Worship; 11:15 a.m. – Coffee Hour, FH
7 - 12:00 p.m. – Crimson Belles May Day tea, FH; 7:00 p.m. – Choir practice
8 - 11:00 a.m. – Bible Study, CR
11 - 7:30 a.m. – WMVR radio broadcast; 9:00 a.m. – Adult Sunday School; 10:15 a.m. – Worship – Mother’s Day – Blanket Sunday
12 - 7:00 p.m. – Church council meeting, CR
13 - 5:30 p.m. – Habitat for Humanity Meeting, CR
14 - 7:00 p.m. – Choir practice
15 - 11:00 a.m. – Bible Study, CR
16 - 5:30 p.m. – Hudson & Robinson wedding rehearsal
17 - 3:30 p.m. – Hudson & Robinson wedding
18 - 7:30 a.m. – WMVR radio broadcast; 9:00 a.m. – Adult Sunday School; 10:15 a.m. – Worship – Pentecost; 11:15 a.m. – Christian Education Meeting, Resource room
19 - 12:00 p.m. – Mary Esther Circle, Pizza Hut for lunch and meeting
21 - 7:00 p.m. – Choir practice
22 - 11:00 a.m. – Bible Study, CR
25 - 7:30 a.m. – WMVR radio broadcast; 9:00 a.m. – Adult Sunday School; 10:15 a.m. – Worship – Memorial service - communion
26 - Office Closed for Memorial Day
29 - 11:00 a.m. – Bible Study, CR
30 - 8:00 a.m. – Sidney City Schools staff breakfast, FH