201 N. Perry Street

St. Marys, Ohio 45885

419-394-3811  EMAIL

Rev. Ed Bray  Email

Prayer Request Email

BREAKING BREAD COMMUNITY MEAL

FREE

Thursdays 4:30-6pm

COMMUNICATOR

August

FROM THE DESK OF PASTOR ED......

I was carrying a couple of bags of turquoise, white and black M&M’s that had been placed beside our plates at the wedding reception to my car.  Someone much younger than I called to me saying, “Don't leave them in your car.  The heat will melt them.”

          I replied, “Don’t worry.  They melt in your mouth, not in your hands.”  Then I told him why.

          It was an important thing during World War II when M&M’s were developed.  You see, the problem was the military needed to be able to give their foot soldiers a way to get some extra energy while on the move.  They, at first, provided chocolate bars to the GIs, but that wasn't too successful.  On hot days the extra edge they needed on their marches to the front lines and in the heat of combat would melt in the package.  It was impossible to quickly eat the chocolate not to mention deal with the mess.

          Out of necessity the M&M was developed.  A soldier in a foxhole could now quickly grab a handful of the candy that would not melt in hand from out of his backpack to quiet his growling stomach and remove the ache of hunger.  This would allow him that little edge he would need to keep moving forward.

          We all need that little extra that will not melt away as we travel life’s journey.  For those of us who are Christians our M&M is the Word of God - the Bible.

          In the Bible it says that God’s Word is a “...lamp to my feet and a light for my path.” (Psalm 119:105).  If we would only take the time to read and learn from God’s Word the journey of days we each must travel on the face of the earth will be filled with all the sustaining power our lives could ever need.  God's Word is food for our journey through life.  It does not melt away.  It gives us that edge that propels us into God’s future.

          Well, there they still sit on my desk: these packages of M&M’s from Melissa (Davis) and Mitch Schmacker’s wedding reception.  It’s 5:45 am.  I’m thinkin’ I could use just a little extra edge.  You know, it’ll help me get through ‘til breakfast and that first cup of coffee.  (I won't tell Judy if you won’t.)  Yep, they do melt in your mouth.

                                        With Love,

THANK YOU..

          Thanks to everyone who had anything to do with planning the observance of my 60th birthday as a surprise part of our annual picnic (you all looked so good in your party hats when we arrived).  You made it a wonderfully memorable day for me that I will always cherish.

                                        Thank you,

                                        Ed

YOUTH AND CHRISTIAN EDUCATION SEARCH

          As of this printing the Christian Education and Nurture Committee is planning to meet to discuss who, if any, of the 5 candidates they’ve recently interviewed for the position of Youth and Christian Education Director they might like to interview a second time in more depth.  The committee’s hope is to have this new staff member in place by Rally Day this Fall.  Keep this important work in your prayers.

A SUMMER BREAK

          The Pastor will be taking week number 3 of the 5 weeks he has for vacation in 2010 beginning July 26th.  He will return to the office on Monday, August 2nd.  Should you have any need for pastoral service, please call our Administrative Assistant Peg Meyer.

SUMMERFEST WORSHIP

          It has been our tradition on Summerfest weekend (August 13-15) to join with the other congregations in town for a community worship service that Sunday morning.  So, bring your lawn chairs to the community park downtown for worship at 10:00 am on Sunday, August 15th.  Each pastor of all the congregations participating will have a part in the service.  Our pastor will be giving part of the sermon that morning.  This is truly a great occasion when we have all our different churches worshiping together.  And, of course, our regular worship at the church building will be canceled that day.

SUMMERFEST PARADE

Once again on August 14th, our church will be walking in the Summerfest parade.  All who are able are welcome to come and join us. We will be giving candy out to the children along the parade route. Walkers are encouraged to wear read shirts.

 

SERMON SCHEDULE FOR AUGUST

The sermons scheduled for Sundays in August are:

§     August 1st    Teri Goodwin, Lay Leader - Supply Coverage

§     August 8th    “What Do You Treasure?”, Luke 12:13-21

§     August 15th   Summerfest Community Worship

§     August 22nd  “God’s Benefit Plan”, Psalm 103:1-8

§     August 29th   “Looking to Jesus”, Hebrews 11:29-12:2

FOR THE SUMMER ....

WORSHIP TIME AND OFFICE HOURS....

?        Summer worship time  is at 10:00 am every Sunday through September 5th.  We will return to our 10:30 am worship time on Sunday, September 12th, Rally Day.

?        The church office will be closed all day every Friday through Friday, September 3rd.  Hours for Monday through Thursday will remain as they are now. 

WORSHIP SCHEDULE FOR AUGUST

UPDATE :

 BUILDING FUND LOAN TO CURRENT FUND

Summer is here as is evident by the heat, long days, and the decrease in giving to Church. In order to pay our regular expenses plus the quarterly payments in June, $5,000.00 was borrowed from the Building Fund, increasing the loan balance to $20,217.30 . Hopefully we can increase our giving so we will not need to borrow more to make the September quarterly payments and can return to paying the loan back.

Thank you, David Dickman, Treasurer

2010 MEMBERSHIP REVIEW

Around the 15th of June every member of record (with the exception of nursing home residents and military personnel) should have received a letter from the Consistory.  Included with the letter was a postage paid, pre-addressed post card that you were asked to return after checking one of three choices, signing and printing your name.  The choices were:

1.      I want to remain a member;

2.      Please remove my name from membership;

3.      I have joined another church

This will allow us to have an accurate membership count.  Many thanks to those who have returned their cards and if you have not yet sent your card back, please do so as soon as possible.

‘BREAKING BREAD’ COMMUNITY MEAL

            St. Paul's offers a weekly free community meal, "Breaking Bread."  We serve meals from 4:30 to 6:00 pm on Thursdays.  The schedule for August will be:

¥     August 5th

¥     August 12th

¥     August 19th

¥     August 26th

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                                 FOR AUGUST

           HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO......

                                         1 - Zach Lemmerman

                                         1 - Dylan Brown

                                         2 - Ethan Anderson

                                         3 - William Boshears

                                         5 - Maxwell Gottschalk

                                         6 - Keely Koeper

                                        17 - Clare Caywood

                                        21 - Reece Long

                                        22 - Claire Wourms

                                        25 - Tyler Hammitt

                                        27 - Kyle Lucas

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WEDDING

%     Congratulations to Melissa Davis and Mitchell Schmackers who were married July 10th!!  Melissa is the daughter of John and Becky Davis.

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THE TEN MOST IMPORTANT REASONS

FOR JOINING THE CHOIR!!

10.  Reserved front row upholstered seats every

    Sunday,

 9. Four steps closer to heaven than the congregation.

 8. Collection plate is never passed in this area.

 7. Salary of choir members has never been challenged

   (never had a strike or a picket line).

 6. Best looking choir director in the area (although

    hard to live with sometimes).

 5. Excellent view of the congregation regulars who

    rest their eyes during the sermon.

 4. Special fan provided for warm spring and summer

    services to provide comfort.

 3. Uniforms provided at no charge,

 2. No tryouts.  Open to young and old.  Practice only

    once a week (1 hour).

 1. The Lord gave us all special talents and asked us to

   use them to his glory.  If you enjoy music, please

   join the choir and experience a very satisfying life.

CHOIR PRACTICE

¯ Choir practice begins on Sunday morning, August 22nd at 8:30 am.  If you have any questions or are interested in joining the church choir, please contact Becky Anderson, Director of Music.  Watch the newsletter or Sunday bulletins for information on when Bell Choir practice will begin.

WOMEN'S NEWS

à    BUSY NEEDLES - meets the last Tuesday of the month.  Join us for fellowship, knotting, cutting, and binding.  Contact Margaret Hunter at 419-305-1321.  We will meet through the summer months.

à    QUILTERS - will not meet in August.

à     The Women’s Guild cabinet met on July 20th to work on the 2010-2011 booklet.  The study book this year will be 100 Ways to Simplify Your Life by Joyce Meyer.  Thanks to Carolyn Wiehe for making aprons to be used for church dinners.  It was decided to again collect school items to be used locally. We will also buy $100.00 worth of scientific calculators for students and $500.00 was donated towards new church office computers.  The Fall guild meeting will be September 27.

! TIME FOR SCHOOL!!! - We are collecting school supplies items for the St. Marys City Schools.  Items needed  are:

          Tab Dividers

            Pocket Folders with prongs

            Jumbo Book Socks (book Covers)

            1 inch size 3 Ring Binders

            16 or 24 Crayola Crayons

            Glue Sticks

            Dry Erase Markers (low odor dark colors)

            Highlighters

            #2 Pencils

            3 x 5 lined index cards

          Boxes of tissues

These items can be placed in the ‘tub’ in the sanctuary or brought to the church office.  Thanks to all of you who help make this project a success!!

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THANK YOUS.........

To St. Paul’s Women’s Guild,

          Wanted you to know how appreciative we were for the luncheon.  We understand the time this requires. Everything was delicious!

                                        Thank you,

                                        Darlene and Jim Hollman

                                        Charles P. Ross

                                        Bud and Kay Ross

(Our heartfelt sympathy goes out to Darlene and her family.  Darlene’s mother, Ethel Ross passed away on July 2nd. Please remember her family in your prayers).

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          Thank you for the scholarship money.  It will be very helpful in the fall at University of Northwestern Ohio.  It was greatly appreciated,

                                        Thank you again,

                                        Kim Opperman

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          Thank you so much for the generous scholarship money.  It will be extremely helpful to me when I attend The Ohio State University at Lima next fall.  Thanks again for the scholarship and all the support.

                                        Rachael Now

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          We did it; he was truly surprised and happy to receive over 50 beautiful birthday cards for his 90th birthday!  We drove to Bear Creek for his birthday and enjoyed the luncheon and show.

          Thank you - we are so blessed with our St. Paul’s Church family.

                                        Ruth and Willis Henschen

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“When you reach the end of your rope, you will find the hem of His garment.”   ..Author Unknown

MEMORIAL DONATIONS

To the Memorial Fund in memory of Marjory Schmidt -

   St. Paul’s Women’s Guild

To the Memorial Fund in memory of Nancy Shannon -

   St. Paul’s Women’s Guild

To the Memorial Fund in memory of Wallace Schmidt -

   Galen & Martha Cisco; Fred & Janet Swartz; Verneda Fark &

   Family

To the Memorial Fund in memory of Ethel Ross -

   Mary Alice Stoner

COMMUNITY/AREA NEWS

R     TODAY’S SENIOR LIVING SERIES - sponsored by the Auglaize County Council on Aging - a monthly program of  presentations and discussions on a wide variety of topics which interest today’s senior.  They are free and open to the public and held the third Tuesday of every month at the Council on Aging from 11:00 am - 12:00 Noon.  For more details, please call Trena or Michelle at 419-394-8252 or 1-866-244-6401.

R     AGAPE CHOICE PANTRY HOURS - Agape Ministries, Inc. 1220 East Spring Street; St. Marys, OH, will now offer morning Choice Pantry hours every Tuesday from 9:00 A.M. until 11:00 A.M. plus each Tuesday and Thursday afternoon from 12:00 noon until 2:30 P.M.  Any questions, please call Agape Ministries at 419-394-8700.

R CALLING ALL VETS! - “Vet 2 Vet” - the first Friday of each month from 1 to 3:00 pm at the Auglaize County Council on Aging, 610 Indiana Ave. in St. Marys.  This program is for all Veterans of any era.  Come and share stories with other Vets that can relate.  Doug Howard from the Veterans Administration will be there to answer questions.  Call Trena at the Council at 419-394-8252 to register.

R HEALING MEMORIES BEREAVEMENT SUPPORT GROUP - meets monthly at the Grand Lake Health System Annex at 1122 East Spring St. in St. Marys - every second Tuesday at 2:00 pm and 7:00 pm. 2010 meeting topics are:

?   Aug. 10 - Meeting the Needs of Mind & Emotion

?   Sept. 14 - Moving Ahead

?   Oct. 12 - Your Healing Memories

?   Nov. 8 - Preparing for the Holidays

?   Dec. 14 - Holiday Memorial Service

For more information call 419-394-3387, Ext. 2808.

FOR THE RECORDS - INFORM US PLEASE!!

(    If you will be going to the hospital or if someone you know is hospitalized, please call the church office and let us know.  Please help us in this effort.  Thank you.

(    Please call the church office with address corrections.  Also, if you do not see your Birthday or Anniversary listed during the correct month, please let us know.  Please call 419-394-3811.  Thank you!!

(    Home phone # for Pastor Ed and Judy is 419-300-9771

J smucc@bright.net - is the church e-mail address.  You can e-mail articles for the newsletter or a message for the Sunday bulletin via the Internet.

J ebray@bright.net is Rev. Bray’s personal email address if you would like to contact him.

J mstrand@bright.net to contact Kendra Strand for the Email Prayer Chain Requests.

J www.stpaulsuccsm.org  - church web site address

J Televised worship service- our worship service here at St. Paul’s is also shown on TSC cable - channel 2  every Sunday at 10:30 am and also on Monday evenings at 7:00 pm.  There is a one week delay of the service shown.

J Dial-A-Devotions can be heard daily: call 419-394-2222.

J Staff of St. Paul’s UCC:

®   Rev. Ed Bray, Pastor

®   Al Baker, Minister of Visitation

®   Becky Anderson, Director of Music

®   Laura Yelton, Director of Children’s Choirs

®   Andrea Spencer, Organist

®   Ann Vogel, Organist

®   Tom Hevlin, Organist Emeritus

®   Peg Meyer, Administrative Assistant

®   Bob Schumacher, Custodian

®   Rich Spencer, Audio and Video

®   Kendra Strand, Web Page Coordinator

®   Jennifer Ginter, Church School Superintendent

®   Amy Keller, Confirmation Teacher

®   Kathy McGee, Sunday Nursery Supervisor

"F.Y.I.”

4     NEWSLETTER DEADLINE - for the September issue of The Communicator is Monday, August 30th.  NOTE: The September issue of the newsletter will go out later this time due to Peg’s August vacation and Rally Day being the second Sunday of September.

ë    LOCATION FOR LABELS/BOXES DROP OFF - A box has been placed inside the church parking lot door for labels, boxes and receipts for the MR/DD Program.  Thanks so much for saving these items!!

$ EYEGLASSES FOR THE NEEDY - collected by the church school classes.  Donated glasses should be placed in the basket at the North entrance to the sanctuary.

ë    A LIFT CHAIR is available for 'loan' to anyone in the church who might have a need for it.  Please call the church office for more information.

ë    ATLAS 600 VISION MACHINE - to assist those who have vision problems with reading books, newspapers, prescription labels, writing personal checks or viewing family photographs - making this possible with video magnifiers. This item is currently out on loan to one of our church members.

ë     LAMINATOR - available in the church office.  This is used by the Sunday School teachers for classroom projects and activities and by the office staff.  We will also laminate items for church members for a fee of $1.00 per item (NOTE: maximum size we can laminate is 8 ½ x 11 inches). 

ë    OFFERING ENVELOPES - are distributed by quarterly mailing.  Please notify the church office if you do not receive your envelopes or if you are not receiving envelopes and would like to be added to this mailing list.  Also......PLEASE NOTIFY THE CHURCH OFFICE IF YOU HAVE A CHANGE OF ADDRESS.

K TP FOR AGAPE - Please continue to bring in the toilet paper so can meet our quota for the new year. We have asked that every family donate 48 rolls each year.  Thanks to everyone who donates to this project.

ë    COPIES - if you need copies made of any personal items, you may stop by the church office and Peg will be glad to make them for you.  If it is a large project, it is best to call ahead.  Cost for making copies for church members is 15 cents per copy if you use the office paper or 10 cents per copy if you bring your own paper. 

ë    THE DVD/CD DUPLICATOR in the church office enables us to make multiple copies of the morning worship service.  Please call Peg in the office to request a copy.  The charge for duplicating a DVD will be $2.00 each.  Monthly sets of worship DVD’s can also be mailed at a cost of $10.00 per month.  Call the church office for more information.

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THINGS TO NOTE.......

n      CALL-EM-ALL - Please let the church office know if you are experiencing any problems with the Call-Em-All phone messages. . Also, please contact the office if you would like to be removed from the calling list or listen to the broadcast and at the end follow their directions to ‘opt out’ of any future broadcasts - this will remove your number from the calling list.   If you would like to make a financial donation to this, please submit your contribution to the church office or place in a pew envelope and mark it 'Calling Program'.   Thank you!

n      ‘BREAKING BREAD’ COMMUNITY DINNER - If you would like to make a financial contribution to help with costs for the weekly community dinner, these will be gratefully accepted.  Donations can be placed in the Sunday offering plate or mailed to the church office.  Please be sure to indicate your name on the envelope if you would like to receive credit on your giving statement.  Contributions of #10 canned food are also accepted.

n      BINGO will be played on the following dates this summer-

?   St. Marys Living Center on Monday, July 26th at 7:00 pm (cookies, quarters and help needed).

?   Otterbein on Monday, August 16th at 7:00 pm (cookies, quarters and help needed).

?   Auglaize Acres on Monday, September 13th at 7:00 pm (cookies, quarters and help needed).

Please be on time and ready to play.  Contact Dorothy McMullen or Rose Leffel if you have any questions.

OUR WIDER CHURCH........

Want to Make a Difference in Someone’s Life?

Join Terry and Jeanette Tangeman for a week of home rebuilding Sept. 26 - Oct. 2, 2010 working through our own UCC Back Bay Mission in Biloxi, MS.  We will be staying at the Mission in the brand new Volunteer Building and working in the neighborhoods enabling people to move from under the bridges, out of the woods, or out of relatives’ and friends’ homes into their own places.  Believe it or not, five years after Katrina, there are still those who have no permanent home.  In addition there are those who have come from other areas following other storms and need housing.  There is also work to be done feeding people daily in the soup kitchen and helping to provide assistance in the office.  Cost will be around $170 per person not including transportation.  You can drive, carpool, or fly.  If you are interested please contact Jeanette Tangeman at 419-234-7935, or email tangeman@ohiolink.net  soon.  You have the opportunity to provide hope and God’s love in tangible form to hurting people as well as a personal life changing experience.

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2010 CHURCH OFFICIALS

President of Congregation              Doug Spencer

Vice-president of Congregation      Mike Hirschfeld

President of Consistory                  Bob Klein

Vice President of Consistory           Joan Leffel

Members of Consistory

Elders:   Joan Leffel          Larry Kill                    Jane Nuss                                  Bill Dustman     Sherrie Keighley      Sharon Sullivan

Trustees:         Doug Spencer     Fred Scheer    Steve Ginter

Deacons:         Dale Schmidt                 Mike Laird

                          Robert Klein                    Harold Poppe

                        Kara Birt                       Rose Leffel

                        Vonnie Martin               Jason Clark

                        Shawn McGee               Amy Lauth

                        Ron Ketchum                Melissa Koeper

$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$

FINANCIAL REPORT

JUNE 2010:

Current Fund:

?        Budgeted through June 30, 2010 - $121,902.00

?        Received through  June 30, 2010 - $108,050.00

? Expenses through June 30, 2010 - $120,607.00

?        Received through June 30, 2009 - $114,791.00

Mission Fund:

?        Budgeted through June 30, 2010 - $15,000.00

?        Received through June 30, 2010 - $17,539.00

?        Received through June 30, 2009 - $13,992.00

Status of 2010 Budget:

Current Fund

?        Budgeted through July 18, 2010 - $137,139.00

?        Received through July 18, 2010 - $120,091.00

Mission Fund

?        Budgeted through July 18, 2010 - $16,875.00

?        Received through July 18, 2010 - $19,427.00 (includes Haiti Earthquake Relief donations)

$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$

HIGHLIGHTS OF 7/13/10 CONSISTORY MEETING

ú        Minutes of the June 8, 2010 meeting were approved.

ú        June 2010 Financial Report was accepted.  Discussed how future payments on the property will be made since no dividends received from BP from the most recent quarter.

PASTOR’S REPORT:

ú        Pastor Ed reviewed his activities for the month of June.

ú        He also expressed his thanks to everyone for the celebration of his 35th ordination to the ministry and the gift of the keepsake box.

MINISTER OF VISITATION REPORT: Al Baker

ú        For June Al had 10 home visits, 25 nursing home visits, 3 hospital visits, 3 church related meetings, a birthday party and delivered 24 dinners.

COMMITTEE REPORTS:

Budget and Finance Committee:  Dave Dickman

ú        Further discussion of how to make payments on the property with several possibilities mentioned.

ú        A check for $763.20 has been received from an anonymous donor with request it be used to develop a scholarship fund for nursing students.  This will be referred to Lynda Hadley and the Scholarship Committee.

ú        Gave approval to Dave to lock in gas rate for the church for the upcoming year at $6.99 per MCF. 

Trustees:  Doug Spencer

ú        Trustees are still hoping to obtain the vertical lift from the high school when the auction is held and will get bids for the installation costs if this does occur.

ú        There is a ‘wish list’ for other items which includes hallway lighting for the educational building and a video surveillance camera system for the parking lot area.

ú        Currently plans for the elevator are on hold.

ú        Fred reported nursery air conditioners are now in working order; invoice will be submitted to the church insurance - has been determined damage was due to lightning.

ú        Fred requested permission to remove the shrubs in front of the church on Perry St. and also to remove or trim back the trees by the sign on the corner.  There were no objections to this so trustees will proceed.

ú        Doug said plans are to put grass around the shrubs on the north side of the new parking lot area as it is very difficult to stay on top of the weeding there.

Christian Education and Nurture Committee:  Kara Birt

ú        Vacation Bible School will be held here next year.

ú        Will have a golf cart in the Summerfest Parade again this year; passing out candy along the way; walkers are needed.

ú        Five applicants are being interviewed on July 15th for the Christian Ed/Youth Director position.

ú        There will not be a rummage sale at the church this year.

Christian Mission & Outreach Committee:  Harold Poppe

ú        For the month of June - 588 meals were served at the weekly community dinner.

Elders:  Bill Dustman

ú        18 took altar communion on July 4th.

Personnel Committee:  Dale Schmidt

ú        Dale questioned if Consistory would prefer the new Christian Ed/Youth Director position to be hourly or salaried.  Due to the flexing of hours, they would prefer it be salaried.

ú        They also suggested starting low (depending on experience) because salary can then be increased if work is satisfactory, etc.  Also to be considered with funding for this position is worker’s compensation and social security.

Hospitality Committee:  Rose Leffel

ú        Committee planned the June 13th celebration meal for Rev. Bray’s 35th ordination to the ministry, the June 27th Golden Sunday luncheon, a funeral dinner and the picnic this coming Sunday.

Agape Ministries:  Pastor Ed

ú        Pastor Ed noted that money from St. Paul’s Pastor’s Discretionary Fund was donated to pay for the new sign in front of Agape.

ú        Fred also noted that the backpack program at Agape is going well; grant money was used for this

ú        And Doug mentioned that the ‘Christmas in July’ will be held at local groceries on July 24th with collection of food for Agape and partner programs.

NEW BUSINESS:

ú        Doug said Rich told him the FCC has taken over our current wireless frequency and we will need to buy 2 new microphones at approximately $618.95 each.  Approval given for this to be referred to Memorial Committee for purchase of 1 mike at this time.

ú        Fred mentioned that he installed Microsoft Word on the extra computer in the office and discovered there is not enough memory to accommodate it, causing it to perform very slow.  The computers in the office are 5 to 6 years old.  Consistory requested he check on costs of updating the office computers.

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