The Pastor Speaks
Nothing less than the word, “fantastic” can describe our recent Fall Outing at the Shelby County Fairgrounds. Over 200 people joined in the festivities. The food was great, the games, auction and hayride were really fun. Worship went smoother than I anticipated as we worshipped “outside the box.” To top it all off we had perfect weather.

I have heard nothing but positive comments from the event. Many folks would like to make it an annual event. I hope everyone will take time to thank Steve and Kathy Feree who put it all together.

What really made an impression on me was the way people interacted with each other. In an informal setting like this you can let your hair down and really get to know other folks in the congregation. It was definitely an intergenerational event. There were infants, children, youth, seniors and everyone in between. It was fellowship at its finest!

A church grows when there is genuine, intentional fellowship. The Greek word, koinonia, which means fellowship, appears frequently in the New Testament. A church can’t survive without koinonia.

Consider Acts, chapter 2, where it reads, “All who believed were together and had all things in common…day by day, as they spent much time together in the temple, they broke bread at home and ate their food with glad and generous hearts…. And day by the Lord added to their number those who were being saved.”

When fellowship happens, God adds to our number. There were many visitors and extended family members who attended the event. And since we all dressed casual, it made for a more informal atmosphere.

Now comes for the challenge. How do we transfer that experience to 707 N. Ohio on Sunday mornings?

First, we need to invite folks to come. People will get to know us and appreciate the warmth of our congregation when we go out of our way to bring them to worship.

Secondly, when you think about it we really didn’t do that much differently at the Fall Outing than we do on Sunday mornings at the church. We listened to music, we sang hymns, we read scripture and there was a morning message complete with a children’s message. What was the difference? There was an energy present because people anticipated good things would happen. In other words we were open to the presence of the Holy Spirit.

By anticipating that good things can also happen in worship at the Church on the Hill, we are more open to the Spirit of God in our midst and God will continue to bless us.

Third, we need to keep breaking bread together. Nothing enhances a fellowship more than when people of a congregation eat a meal together. This is why communion is so essential to our faith. This is why we have monthly coffee hours and occasional church dinners. Whenever we gather at the table, we are experiencing a rich and meaningful fellowship.

I am convinced that the success of our Fall Outing will have long-lasting positive impact on the life of our congregation. We will grow because of it. What we witnessed was the creative power of God’s Spirit at work.
Peace and Blessings! Dr. Keith Wagner

Thank You, Thank You!!
A special thank you goes out to Kathy and Steve Ferree for hosting the first ever St. Paul’s hog roast held October 19, 2008 at the Shelby County Fairgrounds.

The church service was wonderful followed by a feast to end all feasts. I think everyone can attest to the fact they did not leave hungry.

Once again thank you to all the folks who helped with games and activites. There was something for everyone to enjoy, just being able to share time with each other for a visit made the day a blessed day.

God definitely was with us on the 19th; there was sunshine outside as well as indoors as people began to arrive with their covered dishes and smiles of joy on their faces. The feeling of enthusiasm seemed to radiate as the building continued to fill to capacity. What a glorious time of sharing and togetherness.

Kathy and Steve thank you both for being wonderful hosts and making this day possible in the life of our church. God Bless you both and all the folks at St. Paul’s, for you are all special and important to the church.
With special thanks, Vivian Goins, President of Church Council

Bibles For Our Children
Sunday, October 26, 2008, during worship, Bibles were presented to the children of St. Paul’s who would be in the second or third grade of school this year. It was a very rewarding feeling to have so many children present and see the eagerness in their smiling faces as the Bibles were handed to them one by one.

If there are any children due to receive a Bible and that child was not present on October 26th, please contact the church office to make arrangements to pick up a Bible for we do not want to leave anyone out.
Thank you & God Bless
Vivian Goins, President of Church Council

Council Briefs
1. St. Paul’s will remain with our present insurance carrier, Ruese Insurance.

2. Locks have been changed, but any church member can sign in and out to use a key. If a church members loses a key, he or she will be charged $5.00.

3. All proceeds from the White Elephant Auction at the Fairgrounds will be placed in the council discretionary fund for a purpose to be designated later.

4. A thank-you note from the Salvantion Army congratulated St. Paul’s for collecting 523 school supply items.

5. Dr. Wagner will attend the Association meeting in Springfield on November 1st. He has been nominated by the Association to attend the next General Synod meeting.

Treasurer’s Report - September
Income - $12,294.75
Expenses - $18,914.94

Mary Esther Circle
The Mary Esther Circle will meet for lunch and a meeting on Wednesday, November 12th at 12:00 p.m. at the Good Taste Restaurant.

The SPIRIT Group is sponsoring the Hat and Mitten Tree starting November 16th until December 16th. We will collect hats, mittens and scarves and then give them to the Alpha Center. Please bring your items and place them on the tree located in the Narthex.

Christmas cards are still available. The box contains 10 cards and envelopes with a picture of the Sanctuary and sells for $5.00. Call the church office (492-8540) to reserve your Christmas cards. Marie Russell

Commitment Sunday
Commitment Sunday will be observed on Sunday, November 16th during the worship service. Those present will bring forth their commitment slips of time, talents and gifts for the year 2009.
------------------------------------------------------------
ST. PAUL’S U.C.C. COMMITMENT FOR 2009
M = Husband F = Wife B = Both
S = Single Y - Youth

I commit my TIME and TALENTS:
__ a greeter __ for coffee hour
__ an usher __ church council
__ worship leader __ changing paraments

__ children’s sermons __ Chr. Educ. Comm.
__ children’s church leader __ children’s choir
__ camp chaperone
__ children’s activities __ VBS worker

__ giving rides __ making visits
__ counting money
__ mailing newsletter __ office volunteer
__ sewing __ making crafts
__ flower arranging __ historian
__ finance __ garage sales
__ displays __ librarian
__ taking photos __ missions
__ preparing food __ a kitchen helper
__ writing articles __ sound board

__ singing in choir __ as a soloist
__ instrumentalist __ bell choir leader

__ plumbing
__ stained glass repair __ carpentry
__ painting __ yard work

I commit my GIFTS: (General Fund)

$ per week
$ per month
$ per year

Signed

The Clay Balls
A man was exploring caves by the seashore. In one of the caves he found a canvas bag with a bunch of hardened clay balls. It was like someone had rolled clay balls and left them out in the sun to bake.
They didn't look like much, but they intrigued the man, so he took the bag out of the cave with him. As he strolled along the beach, he would throw the clay balls one at a time out into the ocean as far as he could.

He thought little about it, until he dropped one of the clay balls and it cracked open on a rock. Inside was a beautiful, precious stone!

Excited, the man started breaking open the remaining clay balls. Each contained a similar treasure. He found thousands of dollars worth of jewels in the 20 or so clay balls he had left. Then it struck him.
He had been on the beach a long time. He had thrown maybe 50 or 60 of the clay balls with their hidden treasure into the ocean waves. Instead of thousands of dollars in treasure, he could have taken home tens of thousands, but he had just thrown it away!

It's like that with people. We look at someone, maybe even ourselves, and we see the external clay vessel. It doesn't look like much from the outside. It isn't always beautiful or sparkling, so we discount it.
We see that person as less important than someone more beautiful or stylish or well known or wealthy but we have not taken the time to find the treasure hidden inside that person.

There is a treasure in each and every one of us. If we take the time to get to know that person, and if we ask God to show us that person the way God sees them, then the clay begins to peel away and the brilliant gem begins to shine forth.

May we not come to the end of our lives and find out that we have thrown away a fortune in friendships because the gems were hidden in bits of clay. May we see the people in our world as God sees each and every one.

Our Faith Our Vote
Is it health care? The separation of church and state? The environment? Our right to free speech? Regardless of what matters most in your life the 2008 elections will have an enormous impact on these issues. Now more than ever, all faith voices need to be heard as we work to shape public policy. It is our right and our responsibility to lift up a just vision of our common life.

Your vote is your witness. It will shape future policy decisions, and it is these decisions that will affect everything from the education of our children to the quality of life for those suffering from the devastating effects of climate change in drought-stricken countries in Africa.

Your vote can make a difference.

"Shout out, do not hold back! Lift up your voice like a trumpet!" (Isaiah 58:1)

The message is clear. This is our faith and our vote.

November Birthdays
1- Florence Sharp, Megan Minniear
2- James Stewart, Cynthia Scheu
3- Heather Stewart, Ben Pulfer
4- Sally Hull
5- John Kenton, John Hittepole, Stacey Goffena, Paige Deere
7- Charles Wood
9- Dylan Swanton, Joshua Curtner, Matthew Skorupski
10- Scarlett Grieves, Stephanie Fry
11- Selma Geib, Lynn Leach, Brian Adams
12- David Schneider, John Schneider, Austin Pleiman
14- Margaret Schroer, Angela Papiernik
16- Marian Price, Kaitlyn Stewart, Karli Hiler
17- Anne Whiteside
18- Steve Burnside
19- Elizabeth Custis, Lisa Heaton
20-- Bob Barnes
22- Genevieve Motsinger
23- Mary Schmidt
25- Beth McMillan
26- Margaret Reising, Randall Greer
27- Glenn Schulte
28- William J. Mentges
30- Samantha Schwietzer

Anniversaries
2- Nancy & Philip Walter
4- Beth & Charles McMillan, Elizabeth & Dustin Hittepole
11- Sarah & Barry Wiseman
17- Martha & Russell Mummey
20- Julianne & Fred Grieves, Holly & Kevin Hayes
25- Jenny & Greg VanMatre
27- Daria & Mark Curtner
28- Joan & Don Wheeler
29- Sherri & Mike Overholser

Association Meeting – November 1st
The annual fall association meeting of the Southwest Ohio, Northern Kentucky Association of the UCC will be on Saturday, November 1st. It will be held at First UCC, Springfield. The keynote speaker is Richard Hamm who wrote the book “Recreating the Church: Leadership for the Post Modern Age.”

New Bible Study
A new bible study will begin Thursday, October 30th. We will be studying the book of Genesis. Come and join us and learn about the creation, Noah, Abraham and many others. Our group meets in the library at 11:00AM.
Dr. Wagner

Cantata—Sunday, December 21st
The annual Chancel Choir Cantata will take place during the worship service on Sunday, December 21st. Extra voices are needed for this special Christmas event. Rehearsals will begin on Wednesday evenings from 7:30p.m. – 8:30 p.m. on Wednesday, November 5th. There will not be a practice on Wednesday, November 26th.

Advent folders
Advent folders are available for every family in the church. The gifts from the Advent folders will be used to support all mission projects of the church. Folders can be picked up at the Hospitality desk or stop by the church office.

New Babies
On Sunday, September 28th, Emerson Nicole Myers was born. She is the daughter of Leslie & Tom Myers. John P. Wearly is the grandfather.

On Thursday, October 16th, Ayla Michelle Stewart was born. She is the daughter of Josh & Holly Stewart. Grandparents are Polly & Robert Davis.

On Friday, October 17th, Malia Grace McMahan was born. She is the daughter of Tiffany (Wyer) and Dave McMahan.

On Wednesday, October 29th, Brooklyn Mae Cruse. She is the daughter of Erica and Greg Cruise.

Clayton Auction
On Saturday, November 8th, starting at 10:00a.m. for the sale of land and 11:00 a.m. for personal items, Althea is selling the farm and contents. Althea’s address is 1899 Co. Rd. 23N, Quincy, OH

Worship Services - November
Ushers for the month are: Dale Peterson, Rick Holloway, Deb Wood, Chuck Wood, Don Anderson, Judy Helmlinger & Ron Helmlinger.

November 2
Sermon – “The Winning Attribute of Humility”
Matthew 23:1-12
Worship Leader – Jerry Coverstone
Greeters – Katie & John Wearly
Children’s Message – Keith Wagner
Children’s Church –

Coffee Hour Sponsors
Cathy & Bob Barnes, Kathy & Kevin Britt, Doris & Jerry Coverstone, Lisa & Jon Geuy, Shelli & Chris Neth, Lisa Heaton, Doris & Ron Wiford

November 9
Sermon – “Do You Have an Illuminating Spirit?”
Matthew 25:1-13
Worship Leader – Tom Dunnavant
Greeters – Kathleen & Don Anderson
Children’s Message – Kent Smith
Children’s Church –

November 16 – Commitment Sunday
Sermon – “No Risk—No Life” -
Matthew 25:14-30
Worship Leader – Lisa Geuy with Nick Climer
Greeters – Barb & Rich Neer
Children’s Message – Meggan Weaver
Children’s Church –

November 23 - Communion
Sermon – “Grateful & Gracious”
- Matthew 25:31-46
Worship Leader – Heather Wood
Greeters – Jackie & Jeff Deatherage
Children’s Church –

November 30 – 1st Sunday Advent
Rev. Al Marheine, guest minister - Mark 13:24-37
Worship Leader – Marie Stevens
Greeters – Cathy & Bob Barnes and family
Children’s Message – Angie Mentges
Children’s Church –

Hospitalized
Merle Frank, Wilson Memorial Hospital
Sherry Kloeker, Wilson Memorial Hospital

Attendance and Offerings
Oct. 5 – 138 - $5,368.25
Oct. 12 – 144 - $2,489.00
Oct. 19 – 200 - $1,787.35
Oct. 26 – 156 - $2,845.05

Address Changes
Cynthia M. Wiford, 194 Fearrington Post, Pittsboro, NC 27312

Althea Clayton, 1217 Arthur Ct., Sidney, OH 45365

Decorating for Christmas
Please help us “Deck the Halls of St. Paul’s” with Christmas Decorations on Saturday, November 29. Join the fellowship and fun as we beautify our church for this very special season. Doors will open at 9:00 a.m. so come when you can and come hungry. Refreshments will be served.
Your Worship Deacon, Jenny Coverstone

Thank You
The Trustees wish to thank the following people for their help in cleaning up the church grounds on Saturday, September 27th. They include: Tootie & Ron Hill, Brenda & Tom Thompson, Trevor and Lexi Thompson, Jenny Coverstone, Doris & Jerry Coverstone.
Randy Seeger, Ron Hill, Don Anderson

Youth of All Ages!
You are invited to the St. Paul’s Christmas Party on Sunday, December 7 in the fellowship hall from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. There will be games, cookie decorating, Christmas carols, gift drawings, and a surprise appearance from a special guest. More to be announced as the time comes closer!
Christian Youth Committee

November Calendar
1- 9:00 a.m. – SONKA Fall Association meeting, First UCC, Springfield
2- 7:30 a.m. – WMVR radio broadcast; 9:00 a.m. – Adult Sunday School, FH; 10:15 a.m. – Worship; Coffee Hour, FH
5- 6:30 p.m. – Choir practice; 7:00 p.m. – Confirmation; 7:30 p.m. – Cantata practice
6- 11:00 a.m. – Bible Study class, CR
7- 1:00 p.m. – CWU World Comm. Day @ New Hope United Methodist Church
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
12- 12:00 p.m. – Mary Esther Circle, In Good Taste Restaurant; 6:30 p.m. – Choir practice; 7:30 p.m. – Cantata practice
13- 11:00 a.m. – Bible Study class, CR
16- 7:30 a.m. – WMVR radio broadcast; 9:00 a.m. – Adult Sunday School, FH; 10:15 a.m. – Worship – Commitment Sunday
19- 6:30 p.m. – Choir practice; 7:00 p.m. – Confirmation; 7:30 p.m. – Cantata practice
20- 11:00 a.m. – Bible Study class, CR
23- 7:30 a.m. – WMVR radio broadcast; 9:00 a.m. – Adult Sunday School, FH; 10:15 a.m. – Worship – Communion
27- Happy Thannksgiving
28- OFFICE CLOSED
29- 9:00 a.m. – Decorating for Christmas
30- 7:30 a.m. – WMVR radio broadcast; 9:00 a.m. – Adult Sunday School, FH; 10:15 a.m. – Worship – 1st Sunday in Advent