The Pastor Speaks
In fragile economic times people have a tendency to hold back. They also cut back on expenses and minimize their giving out of the fear of not having enough.

People want to remain financially comfortable. They like to watch their savings and investments grow. That gives them greater security. When prices go up people get scared and some even panic.

This has not been a good year for the Cincinnati Reds. Many fans I know have cut back on the number of ball games they attend because they don’t want to spend their money on a losing team. But who gets hurt? Not the players, for they continue to receive their salaries. Those who get hurt are the little people; the ones who sell hot dogs, beer and souvenirs. In other words, when we tighten our belts it is not the rich who suffer, it’s the thousands of small businessmen who really struggle.

This is no less true for the Church. The Church is the most generous organization in society. The Church is also the best steward of your resources. When people reduce their giving to the Church or only give token amounts those who need it most in society suffer.

Paul said, “The one who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and the one who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. Each of you must give as you have made up your mind, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.”
(2 Corinthians 9:6-7)

Paul was encouraging the church to be generous. He wanted his congregation to realize that their quality of life would be directly related to their willingness to give and to share with others.

Cheerful giving is not what I observe. I see people give because it is their duty or obligation. Rarely do I observe someone giving joyfully.

Paul is right, however. When we are cheap we can’t expect big returns. On the other hand, when we are generous, we can expect to have abundant life.

While on vacation in Myrtle Beach, Lin and I stopped in a little café on the beach for a snack. When I went to leave the tip she suggested I double it. The café wasn’t very busy and the server had been good to us. At first I was reluctant, but then I enlarged my tip. We both left feeling good.

Later in the day, we were walking along the beach at the water’s edge. I happened to notice something floating in the water. I reached down and plucked a five dollar bill. It was still intact and it more than covered the tip I had given earlier in the day. “Sow sparingly, reap sparingly. Sow bountifully, reap bountifully.” This was Paul’s message and for me it connected.

Paul also reminded the church that Jesus said, “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” (Acts 20:35) This is a hard lesson for us to grasp. We are blessed in many ways but we are indifferent about “blessing” others.

It concerns me that folks do not give more to the Church. They want their Church to be available in a crisis. They want their Church to be there for weddings, baptisms, memorial services and worship. They want the Church to be beautiful, well-maintained and a sacred presence in the community. But, what folks give to the Church is very small in relation to what people spend on themselves.

St. Paul’s is currently struggling to meet our operating expenses. Our cash flow is at its lowest point in 18 years. People blame the economy and unfortunately cut back on their giving. Trust me, should this society slip into a recession or even depression (God forbid) you will need the Church more than ever.

When times are difficult that is exactly the time to give more for those are the times when millions of others are barely surviving.

We can do better with our giving. God has blessed the congregation of St. Paul’s in many ways. God will bless us even more when we become more generous.

I pray that you will take seriously the words of Jesus and Paul. We are God’s people and God loves cheerful givers.
Blessings and peace, Dr. Keith Wagner

Bible Presentation
On Sunday, October 28th, Bibles will be presented to the following children during the worship service:
Jennifer Barnes
Macy Boeke
Bryce Carr
Caroline Gallimore
Alyssa Kemp
Collin McClain
Autumn Neville
Jeffrey Overholser
Matthew Skorupski
Jarrett Yinger

If your child is a second or third grader and is not on this list, please contact the church office at 492-8540. The church council wants to make sure that everyone who wants a Bible shall receive a Bible from St. Paul’s Church.

On a Church Bulletin Board
“If you can’t sleep,
Don’t count sheep,
Talk to the Shepherd!”

Sidney School Levy
At their last meeting the Shelby County Ministerial Association voted to support the Sidney School Levy. Although the church has not taken an official position on the levy I trust that you will prayerfully consider how important our public school system is to our community.

St. Paul’s church has many current and former school employees including teachers, custodians, aides, secretaries, kitchen workers, library assistants, just to name a few. The congregation has even had a principal, school board member and school superintendent. There are 15 retired teachers in the church. At one time the Retired Teacher’s Association used to meet in the fellowship hall. Currently the Sidney Board of Education has workshops here.

As you know there will be a Sidney School Levy on the ballot in November. If you have questions about the levy you can go to www.theneedisreal-thetimeisnow.com

Those church folks currently teaching in the Sidney School system are: Angie Mentges, Jenny VanMatre, Jennifer Billing-Martz, Cathy Barnes, Jon Geuy, Stacey Goffena, Lisa Seeger, Meggan Weaver, Kathy Gillman and Amanda Hughes.

Those who teach in other school systems are: Nancy Rossman, Megan Berlekamp, Laura Holloway, Jessica Curtner, Candace Clayton, Ashley Wentz and Jay Wentz.

Current and retired college teachers are: Jennifer (Wearly) Hooks, Robert Kidd and Keith Wagner and Bill O’Dell, Darlene Neuman and Kathleen (Geib) Boykin.
Dr. Keith Wagner

World-Wide Communion
On Sunday, October 5th, World-wide Communion will be observed during the worship service at 10:15 a.m. Please plan on attending.

Pastoral-Relations Committee
The Elders are pleased to announce a Pastoral Relations Committee has been formed and officially organized on Monday, September 22, 2008.

The following persons have graciously agreed to serve the Congregation of St. Paul’s United Church of Christ in this capacity.
Kathleen Anderson – 3-year term
Jon Geuy – 3-year term
Janet Eshleman – 2-year term
Kathy Santo – 2-year term
Tom Dunnavant – 1-year term
Marie Stevens – 1-year term

This committee has been organized to fulfill the rules in our church’s Constitution and By-laws. The purpose of this committee is to informally make peace whenever an issue is brought to their attention by the Elders, the Pastor, the Council, or a member of the Congregation.

It is the hope of the Elders and this Committee that any person or persons having issues will utilize the Pastoral Relations Committee to resolve any concerns that may come forth.

It is with much gratitude that we, as Elders, want to thank these six individuals for stepping up to serve our Congregation. God Bless each of you for your dedication to St. Paul’s.
Respectfully, the Elders
Vivian Goins, Kent Smith & David Hollenbacher

SPIRIT Group News
The SPIRIT Group will be selling Christmas cards during coffee hour on October 5th. The card has a picture of the Sanctuary. The boxes contain 10 cards and envelopes and sell for $5.00.

Mary Esther Circle
The Mary Esther Circle will meet at Culver’s Restaurant on Wednesday, October 8th at 11:15 a.m. for lunch and a meeting. Marie Russell

“The Church on the Hill”
Some have been asking why the radio program is no longer on television, channel 6. Time Warner, the local cable company, has opted to air a talk radio station rather than WMVR. Unfortunately that is the nature of the media in these times.

The only way to tune in to “The Church on the Hill” is to use your radio. Set your dial to 105.5 FM at 7:30AM on Sundays.

We are now airing visiting preachers on our program. Also we are using the voices of our worship leaders on the program for the scripture readings.

Wes Parfait is doing a terrific job of recording, editing and making sure “The Church on the Hill” gets to the radio station on time.

Be sure and listen to “The Church on the Hill.”
Dr. Keith Wagner

Council Highlights
1. Dr. Wagner attended an Ohio Conference meeting in Columbus on September 8. UCC ministers from around the state met to discuss the revitalization of the church.
2. Trustees will shop around for better rates concerning church insurance policy.
3. Pastoral-Relations Committee formation will soon be completed and members will be announced in October.
4. Jerry Coverstone, Marie Stevens, Bob Spillers, and Mike Martz comprise the nominating committee to recruit new council members for 2009.
5. New locks will be put on all church exterior doors, but only the south door will be accessible during the week.

Treasurer's Report for August:
Income $14,255.77
Expenses $15,114.16

Ohio Conference Meeting, September 8th
At the invitation of the Conference Minister, 31 people, including myself, gathered September 8, 2008 in the Conference office for a four hour conversation on congregational vitality possibilities through the Ohio Conference. Those in attendance were chosen, for the most part, because their Association Ministers lifted them up as pastors of vital congregations. Special guests were Dave Schoen and staff, Kate Huey and Charlene Smith from the national vitality office, and Paul Nickerson, UCC vitality coach from the Massachusetts Conference.

Bob Molsberry, Ohio Conference Minister, set the stage for the conversation by giving some background on judicatory realities in the postmodern world (from Richard Hamm’s book, “Recreating the Church”). It will no longer be possible for conferences and associations to function like the hub of the wheel and provide limitless resources to the local congregations. We need to work as brokers of resources and coordinators of networks. This was the reason for this meeting. The Conference can’t be just a maintenance organization. It needs to stand for something identifiable and clearly communicate our beliefs. In this postmodern era of decline of mainline denominations, conferences and associations can still be the entity that enhances local congregational vitality and promotes new church development.

The main question for discussion was: What gives life to congregations? What are the basics of church vitality? Answers included:
• Strong sense of purpose. Knowing your mission. Mission outside the church doors.
• Passion that the Gospel is good news. An eagerness to share it.
• Extravagant hospitality.
• Risk responding to the Spirit, not the culture.
• Permission-giving structures.
• Pastoral leadership that refuses to lead a dying church. A sense of purpose in your ministry.
• Development of leadership. Clergy should equip leaders, not do all the ministry.
• Let some people walk away.
• Extravagant giving. Generosity.
• Strong attention to worship.
• Hard work.
• Joy in the Gospel.
• Stay long enough to make a difference.
• Although numbers count, it’s not about the numbers.
• Clear communication within the church and out to the community.
• Be an alternative voice in the community. Accept that fact.

Most of these were no surprise to me. I have been encouraging and educating our leadership to do these things for years. Some we have done well and others we have been weak. It is refreshing to me that the new Ohio Conference Minister is trying to aid the local church and be more focused on local congregations.

I was honored to be considered as a participant in this forum. I will keep you updated as to what plans and strategies are implemented to keep our congregations in the United Church of Christ vital.
Dr. Keith Wagner

SPECIAL POEM FOR SENIOR CITIZENS!!
A row of bottles on my shelf
Caused me to analyze myself.
One yellow pill I have to pop
Goes to my heart so it won't stop.
A little white one that I take
Goes to my hands so they won't shake.
The blue ones that I use a lot
Tell me I'm happy when I'm not.
The purple pill goes to my brain
And tells me that I have no pain.
The capsules tell me not to wheeze
Or cough or choke or even sneeze.
The red ones, smallest of them all
Go to my blood so I won't fall.
The orange ones, very big and bright
Prevent my leg cramps in the night.
Such an array of brilliant pills
Helping to cure all kinds of ills.
But what I'd really like to know.......
Is what tells each one where to go!

October Birthdays
1 Kim Parfait, Mike Overholser
2 Craig Kuck, Betsy Alexander
4 Earle Mead, Wendy Neville, Jonathon Neville
5 Franklin Wyer, Rebecca Kenton, Elizabeth Dietz, Dominic Hittepole
6 Earl Hull, Caroline Gallimore
7 Robert Kidd
8 Jenny Wagner
10 Sandra Rose
13 Brad Goffena
15 Ruth Burnside, Stacey Schneider
16 Jennifer Hooks
17 Adam Clayton
18 Matthew McMillan
19 Greg Dietz
20 Elmer Kies, Hayley Blanford
21 Kathleen Santo, Michael VanHorn
22 Judi Stewart, Diane Easton
23 Bette Brentlinger, Paul Goins, Luke Goubeaux
25 Alisha Cruse
26 Aaren Hittepole, Forest Clayton
28 Walter Motsinger, Pam Holloway
29 Scott Geib, Keith Brown, Justin Neville
30 Tom Dunnavant, Sam Rose, Scott Scheu, Mitchell Myers
31 Richard Neer, Belinda Wearly

With Sympathy
To: Rob Russell and family on the death of his sister, Evelyn Fair. She died on Friday, August 22, 2008 at the age of 76.

To: Barb Neer and family on the death of her father, Roy Angle. He died on Wednesday, September 3, 2008 at the age of 92.

To: Mary Leonard and family on the death of her husband, Charlie. He died at the age of 72 on Tuesday, September 23, 2008.

October Anniversaries
1 Barb & Richard Neer
4 Kathy & Steve Ferree
7 Valerie & Ryan Schroer
8 Cheryl & Elmer Kies
11 Deb & Larry Motsinger, Nichole & Brian Adams
12 Mary Ellen & Ken Alexander
14 Doris & Ron Wiford
15 Marijane & Earle Mead
18 Scarlett & Brent Grieves
19 Ann & Randy Sloan
21 Deb & Chuck Wood, Emily & Justin Bogue
23 Christi & Kevin Hittepole
26 Janet & Roger Aschenbach
28 Shelli & Chris Neth
31 Barb & William Fry

Recent Wedding
On Saturday, September 6, 2008, Misty Carmean and David Molitor were married in the Sanctuary. David is the son of Dar & Pete Molitor. Congratulations!

Neighbors in Need
Neighbors in Need is the all-church offering of the United Church of Christ that expresses our commitment to ministries of justice and compassion in the United States and Puerto Rico, as we speak prophetically to those in power and advocate for the voiceless. In the spirit of Christ, we seek to confront evil in the world and to alleviate suffering through justice advocacy and direct service.

Neighbors in Need supports ministries that address hunger action, poverty reduction, economic development, human rights, peace-making, violence reduction, racial and economic justice, environmental concerns, and public policy advocacy.

An envelope is included in this issue for your donation or you may pick one up at the Hospitality Desk.

Worship Services for October
USHERS for the month are: H. Thomas Wyer, (head usher), Steve Harlamert, John P. Wearly, Robert Davis, Steve Wearly and Mike Martz.

October 5 – World Wide Communion
Sermon – “Cornerstone Faith”
Matthew 21:33-46
Worship Leader – Bill Mentges
Greeters – Peggy & Steve Baker
Children’s Message – Meggan Weaver
Children’s Church – Sherri Overholser & Mary Ann Yinger

Coffee Hour Sponsors – Dorothy Baker, Greg Dietz, Ron & Alma Hill, Robyn & Don Lauth, Lynn & Charles Leach, Karen & Joseph Mroz, and Gina & John Skorupski.

October 12
Sermon – “Beyond the Welcome Mat”
Matthew 22:1-14
Worship Leader – Tiffany Kemp
Greeters – Betty Bennett & Peg Schroer
Children’s Message – Kent Smith
Children’s Church – Julie Maurer & Pat Brown

October 19 – Shelby County Fairgrounds – 10:15 a.m.
Sermon – “Faith Outside the Box”
Numbers 11:4-23
Worship Leader – Jenny Coverstone
Greeters –
Children’s Message – Keith Wagner

October 26
Sermon – “Love Over the Law”
Matthew 22:34-46
Worship Leader – Ronnie Helmlinger
Greeters – Marie Stevens & Jo Jahoda
Children’s Message – Angie Mentges
Children’s Church – Nikki Adams & Jenny Wagner

Hospitalized
Steven Wearly, Wilson Memorial Hospital

Attendance and Offerings
Aug.31- 110 - $2,467.75
Sept.7 – 140 - $4,001.85
Sept.14 - 148 - $2,236.56
Sept.21 – 109 - $1,698.59
Sept.28 – 145 - $3,282.75

Address Changes
Summer Neville, 3144 River Rd., Sidney, OH 45365
Steven M. Harlamert, 818 Norwood Dr., Sidney, OH 45365
Meggan & Jim Weaver, 725 Marva Lane, Sidney, OH 45365

Halloween Party
Attention children, all school ages! There will be a Costume Halloween Party on Saturday, October 25th from 5:00 to 9:00 p.m. There will be snacks, games, prizes and a Bible story. Celebrate Halloween with your “ghostly” friends at St. Pauls. Watch for invitations in the mail. If you would like to volunteer or donate items, please call Mary Ann at 493-0043 or 726-5494.

Bake Sale
A bake sale will be held during coffee hour on October 5. All proceeds will go to the Transient Fund sponsored by the Shelby County Ministerial Association. Help is provided to people in urgent need of food or shelter while passing through Shelby County. Kent Smith

October Calendar
1 - 10:00a.m. – Crimson Belles Meet-N-Eat, FR; 7:00 p.m. – Choir Practice
2 - 11:00 a.m. – Bible Study, CR
4 - 3:00 p.m. – Dominic Hittepole birthday party, FH
5 - 7:30 a.m. – WMVR radio broadcast; 9:00 a.m. – Adult Sunday School; 10:15 a.m. – Worship; Coffee Hour, 11:15 a.m. – Christian Education Meeting, Resource room
8 - 11:15 a.m. – Mary Esther Circle; 7:00 p.m. – Confirmation; 7:00 p.m. Choir Practice
9 - 11:00 a.m. – Bible Study, CR
12 - 7:30 a.m. – WMVR radio broadcast; 9:00 a.m. – Adult Sunday School; 10:15 a.m. – Worship
13 - 7:00 p.m. – Church Council Meeting, CR
14 - 5:30 p.m. – Habitat for Humanity Meeting, CR
16 - 11:00 a.m. – Bible Study, CR
19 - 7:30 a.m. – WMVR radio broadcast; 10:15 a.m. – Worship - Shelby County Fairgrounds – Hog roast – White Elephant Auction – Hayride – games and more
22 - 7:00 p.m. – Confirmation; 7:00 p.m. – Choir practice
23 - 11:00 a.m. – Bible Study, CR
24 - 5:30 p.m. – Stewart & Lewis wedding rehearsal and rehearsal dinner
25 - 2:30 p.m. – Stewart & Lewis wedding; 5:00 p.m. – Halloween Party, FH
26 - 7:30 a.m. – WMVR radio broadcast; 9:00 a.m. – Adult Sunday School; 10:15 a.m. – Worship
28 - 7:00 p.m. – Endowment Committee Meeting, CR
29 - 7:00 p.m. – Choir Practice
30 - 11:00 a.m. – Bible Study, CR