The Link - St. Paul United Church of...
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St. Paul United Church of Christ 101 South Perry Street ◦PO Box 147◦Wapakoneta, OH 45895 Phone: (419) 738-2215 Fax: (419) 738-2076 Email: [email protected] Website: www.stpaulucc.com www.facebook.com/StPaulWapakoneta The Link October 2019 Eighty-six years ago, a pastor in Pittsburgh had an idea. The Rev. Dr. Hugh Thomas Kerr wanted a way to express the unity of Christians through the act of worship. He led a special communion service, focus- ing on the community of Christians worldwide. Within three years, the practice was adopted by Kerr’s entire denomination, the Presbyterian Church, USA. By 1940, it was endorsed by the Federal Council of Churches, the predecessor to the National Council of Churches. They advocated for the practice to be ex- panded among Christian churches internationally, and World Communion Sunday was born. Since that time, churches all over the world have gathered for worship on the first Sunday in October and have come to Christ’s table in a singular act of community, solidarity, and love. The practices vary from place to place and between diverse Christian denominations, but that is part of the beauty of this wonderful tradition. It is one of the reasons World Communion Sunday is one of my favorite holy days of the year. It is a celebration of our unity in the midst of diversity. As we gather around our respective tables and break bread together, we recognize that we really are one in Christ. I have always thought there was something special about bread. It is one of those universal foods. Every culture has its own variation, from focaccia and pum- pernickel to tortillas and naan. And something unique, almost magical, happens when we break bread to- gether. Some years ago, I went on a silent retreat. As I planned for the retreat, the one thing I decided early on was that I wanted to bake some homemade bread as a spiritual exercise. I made all of my preparations, gathered all my ingredients, and headed off for three days of solitude and freshly baked bread. When I ar- rived at the retreat center, I set to work. Within a few hours, I had two loaves ready to go. They smelled wonderful, and I could hardly wait to take the first bite. But something was missing. I didn’t have anyone to share it with. The breaking of bread holds an important place in our Christian tradition because Jesus made it special. But it is worth noting that all of those bread-breaking stories that we love so much, from the Feeding of the 5,000 to the Last Supper, have something in common. In every case, Jesus had gathered all of his disciples together. As we reflect on our own lives, when we think about our own stories of breaking bread, we come to realize that it is the company, rather than the food, that makes it worthwhile. It’s not the Thanksgiv- ing turkey, stuffing, and pumpkin pie that make the day special, but rather the family that has gathered together to share them. So for one Sunday this October, and every year, we gather together in the spirit of Christ, recognizing the miracle that is the Body of Christ, focusing not so much on the elements of the bread and cup we share, but the Body that is Christ’s Church. Our UCC motto is taken from part of the prayer Jesus prayed in the upper room after sharing the Last Supper with those first disciples. He prayed for his followers who would become the Church, asking God “that they may all be one” (John 17:21). For one beautiful moment on Sun- day, October 6 th , we will be. Peace and blessings, Pastor Becky The Faith Formation Meeting will be Monday, October 7th at 6:00PM. We will be discussing more about our Family Activity for October and the Incentive program. All are welcome!!!
Transcript of The Link - St. Paul United Church of...
St. Paul United Church of Christ 101 South Perry Street ◦PO Box 147◦Wapakoneta, OH 45895
Phone: (419) 738-2215 Fax: (419) 738-2076 Email: [email protected] Website: www.stpaulucc.com
www.facebook.com/StPaulWapakoneta
The Link October 2019
Eighty-six years ago, a pastor in Pittsburgh had an idea. The Rev. Dr. Hugh Thomas Kerr wanted a way to express the unity of Christians through the act of worship. He led a special communion service, focus-ing on the community of Christians worldwide. Within three years, the practice was adopted by Kerr’s entire denomination, the Presbyterian Church, USA. By 1940, it was endorsed by the Federal Council of Churches, the predecessor to the National Council of Churches. They advocated for the practice to be ex-panded among Christian churches internationally, and World Communion Sunday was born. Since that time, churches all over the world have gathered for worship on the first Sunday in October and have come to Christ’s table in a singular act of community, solidarity, and love. The practices vary from place to place and between diverse Christian denominations, but that is part of the beauty of this wonderful tradition. It is one of the reasons World Communion Sunday is one of my favorite holy days of the year. It is a celebration of our unity in the midst of diversity. As we gather around our respective tables and break bread together, we recognize that we really are one in Christ. I have always thought there was something special about bread. It is one of those universal foods. Every culture has its own variation, from focaccia and pum-pernickel to tortillas and naan. And something unique, almost magical, happens when we break bread to-gether. Some years ago, I went on a silent retreat. As I planned for the retreat, the one thing I decided early on was that I wanted to bake some homemade bread as a spiritual exercise. I made all of my preparations, gathered all my ingredients, and headed off for three days of solitude and freshly baked bread. When I ar-rived at the retreat center, I set to work. Within a few hours, I had two loaves ready to go. They smelled wonderful, and I could hardly wait to take the first bite. But something was missing. I didn’t have anyone to
share it with. The breaking of bread holds an important place in our Christian tradition because Jesus made it special. But it is worth noting that all of those bread-breaking stories that we love so much, from the Feeding of the 5,000 to the Last Supper, have something in common. In every case, Jesus had gathered all of his disciples together. As we reflect on our own lives, when we think about our own stories of breaking bread, we come to realize that it is the company, rather than the food, that makes it worthwhile. It’s not the Thanksgiv-ing turkey, stuffing, and pumpkin pie that make the day special, but rather the family that has gathered together to share them. So for one Sunday this October, and every year, we gather together in the spirit of Christ, recognizing the miracle that is the Body of Christ, focusing not so much on the elements of the bread and cup we share, but the Body that is Christ’s Church. Our UCC motto is taken from part of the prayer Jesus prayed in the upper room after sharing the Last Supper with those first disciples. He prayed for his followers who would become the Church, asking God “that they may all be one” (John 17:21). For one beautiful moment on Sun-day, October 6th, we will be. Peace and blessings,
Pastor Becky
The Faith Formation Meeting will be Monday, October 7th at 6:00PM. We will be discussing more about our Family Activity for October and the Incentive program. All are welcome!!!
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COUNCIL HIGHLIGHTS
St. Paul UCC Council meeting was called to order September 9, 2019 at 6 pm by President Rodney Schey. Members present were Fritz Ankerman, Dan Bennett, Anthony Brookhart, Kathy Haehn, Doris Hibner, Nancy Newland, Rodney Schey, Pat Shaw, Susan Stinebaugh, Mark Vaughn and Melanie Wright. Also present Rev. Becky Sunday and Tami Zwez.
Purchase and building of an elevator to the basement level from the sanc-
tuary was tabled. Estimates of cost involved in installing and remodeling the area was between $350,000-500,000. At the same time the sanctuary doors could be enlarged to accommodate caskets. At present the Perry St. door is used and it involves going up 4 steps.
It was decided to have a unified service for Faith Promise Sunday on No-
vember 17, 2019. A brief congregational meeting will follow the service. A carry in dinner will follow the meeting.
The constitution committee is working on updating our constitution and it
will be presented at the Annual Meeting in January 2020. The personnel committee has updated the employee handbook. A copy
was distributed to members and will be voted on at the October 2019 meet-ing of council.
Submitted by Tami Zwez, Council Secretary
SAVE THE DATE FAITH PROMISE SUNDAY
NOVEMBER 17, 2019
We will have a fellowship dinner following the 10:15AM Unified Worship Service on Sunday, November 17th in celebration of our renewed Faith Promises. Be looking for more information in the coming weeks.
ST. PAUL UCC’s
HOLIDAY OPEN HOUSEHOLIDAY OPEN HOUSEHOLIDAY OPEN HOUSEHOLIDAY OPEN HOUSE
Nov. 2nd - 9AM – ? Cookie/Candy Walk & Bazaar
The Cookie/Candy Walk will be from 9:00AM till they run out with a Luncheon put on by the Middle School Youth Group from 11:00AM to 1:00PM and the Bazaar ending soon after. This year
for the Bazaar prior vendors that have been here before have been invited plus anyone else that would like a table to sell
items at no cost. The Faith Formation Team will have a table, so if you have just a couple of items to sell, (no clothes) they may
be with them or you can have table/tables by yourself. Please let Tami Zwez know if you are interested on having a table. Come and enjoy our start to the celebration of the Holiday Season!
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God’s Storehouse Thanksgiving Food Drive We will once again be collecting food for Thanksgiving meals for the families of God’s Storehouse.
Because of your donations, and others in the community, God’s Storehouse will be able to provide Thanksgiving dinners for many families. They are also mindful of so many other needs. You can help by bringing in the following items:
Boxed Mashed Potatoes Gravy Mix (either in an envelope or can) Can of fruit (peaches or peach cocktail) Boxed Stuffing Mix Dessert item (such as cake mix with icing, cookie mix or other dessert mix) Dinner rolls (tube)
Please bring items to Timmermeister Hall by Monday, November 4 We can also use monetary donations for meat to complete the meal. Thank you for helping St. Paul UCC fulfill its mission to feed God’s children! Thank you!
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Happy October to all of you. The Faith Formation team has lots of plans to help make the –
ber months (you know September, October) full of activities and fun. FEAST has just
started and the participants are enjoying the format change. We are doing a lot of group ac-
tivities and it changes every week.
Sunday School – Starting time is now 9:15 am for Donuts and Devotions. Classes are
then dismissed at 10:00 am. Cheryl Short leads the school aged classes and the devo-
tions. Mark Vaughn and Parmie Herman lead the adult classes. Also the Coffee Club
meets in the fellowship hall.
FEAST – The new format will offer a better variety of activities and encourage the
children to try new things and will focus on the Fruits of the Spirit. An incentive pro-
gram will be introduced to encourage everyone to become more active in our church
family.
Fruits of the Spirit Programs
25-Sep orientation and tour Introduction to programs
02-Oct Program 1800’s Reenactment
09-Oct Self Control 6-2 organ G 1 cardio
16-Oct Love 6 –1 organ G 2 Library
23-Oct Patience 3:45 JB 4:30 G 1 Library
30-Oct Peace Cardio
Groups will be divided according to age/grade. G-1 will include the younger group and
G-2 the older kids.
Dinner at FEAST – Please feel free to join us for dinner on Wednesday nights. We
will set an additional table for any guests that would like to attend. Mark Vaughn is
our chef and his meals are awesome. His crew creates specialty salads for our salad
bar every week and wonderful meals and desserts. You are always welcome.
October 27th will be the first Faith, Family Fun Day. Please join the Faith Formation
team for a Soup and Salad Lunch after the 10: 15 worship service. The meal is pro-
vided and there will be games and activities for all ages. Please join us after worship.
Lots of great activities are planned for everyone. We are looking forward to enjoying fellow-
ship with you. Let’s strengthen and bless our church family together.
Tami Zwez
Lay Ministries Coordinator
LAY MINISTRIES
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October Broderick Schlosser 10/04/2012 Quinn Steinke 10/05/2015 Addison Schneider 10/07/2009 Alexis Schneider 10/07/2009 Paison Preston 10/09/2008 Eli Erb 10/09/2016
HAPPY BIRTHDAY to our
St. Paul Youth!
Our deepest sympathy and condolences to the family of Glenna Sutton who passed on Saturday, August 31, 2019. Glenna is the mother of Randy Sutton and the mother-in-law of Mark Vaughn. Our deepest sympathy and condolences on the pass-ing of Stan Maxson who passed on Monday, Sep-tember 2, 2019 at the age of 93.
10/03/1987 Kevin & Jennifer Frische 10/04/1957 Don & Alice Fischbach 10/10/1980 Tony & Cindy Quellhorst 10/12/1991 Mark & Cheryl Erb 10/13/2007 Justin & Dena Wireman 10/16/1999 Tom & Kristina Hunter 10/19/1996 Wayland & Treasa Detrick 10/22/1977 Bart & Elisha Smith 10/23/1993 David & Dawn Rankin 10/25/1975 Jeff & Kristine Beane 10/26/2011 Josh & Catherine Copeland 10/27/1984 Kirk & Gayle Azbell 10/29/1983 David & Deb Wheeler 10/29/2005 Charlie & Beth Henry
10/09 Kayla Bowersock 10/09 Tracy McDonald 10/10 Matthew Bartlett 10/10 Jason Childress 10/14 Drew McCullough 10/15 Don Brautigam 10/15 Joann Camper 10/16 James Smith 10/17 Brad Kaeck 10/19 Judy Quellhorst 10/20 Emile Thiedt 10/20 Emily Schlenker 10/20 Jonathan Zwiebel 10/23 Thomas Freytag
10/01 Chloe Adkins 10/01 Bert Presar 10/01 Jane Myers 10/02 David Rankin 10/03 Lindy Schlenker 10/04 Don Fischbach 10/04 Lee Martin 10/05 Jason Bartlett 10/05 Christine Miller 10/05 Matthew Presar 10/05 Gregory Hengstler 10/06 Marilyn Hengstler 10/06 Cheryl Short 10/08 Jackie Martin
10/23 Tyler Spearhart 10/24 Tiffanie Adkins 10/25 Jessica Freytag 10/25 Larry Winkler 10/26 Linsey Paul 10/26 Miriam Smith 10/26 Beth Henry 10/26 John Gilroy 10/28 Andrea Brookhart 10/30 Deb Kaeck 10/30 Gayle Azbell 10/30 Lauren Erb 10/30 Kenneth Hengstler
Congratulations on the marriage of Johnny Zwiebel & Alysa Eley on Saturday, September 14, 2019. John is the son of Jeff & Judy Zwiebel. Congratulations on the marriage of Annie Imondi & Kristina Lochner on Saturday, September 21, 2019. Congratulations on the marriage of Amanda Meyers & Devon Dobie on Saturday, September 28, 2019.
General Fund Monthly Budget $ 24,992.75
Given to General Fund $20,906.89
Difference $ 4,085.86
Given to Benevolences $1,793.96
General Fund Budget Year to Date $224,934.75
Given to General Fund so far this year $162,335.89
Difference $62,598.86
Given to Benevolences so far this year $12,424.96
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We are currently collecting donations for the UCC’s Neighbors in Need special mission offering. Neighbors in Need supports ministries of justice and compassion throughout the United States. Neighbors in Need grants are awarded to churches and organizations doing jus-tice work in their communities. These grants fund projects whose work ranges from direct service to community organizing and advocacy to address systemic injustice. Funding is provided through donations to the Neighbors in Need offering. Please donate in the month of October to support justice initiatives, advocacy efforts, and direct service projects. Please make checks payable to: St. Paul UCC, with “Neighbors in Need” in the memo. Thank you!
Benevolence Giving for October October October October ~ OCWM
St. Paul UCC will host a free public concert at 3:00PM on Sunday, October 20th featuring the music of our congregation. Included on the program will be selections from the Chan-cel Choir and Bell Choir as well as members of our staff. Invite your friends and join us as
we celebrate the music of St. Paul
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On Sunday, November 3rd we will be celebrat-ing All-Saints Sunday. We will have a special ser-vice of remembrance along with a celebration of Holy Communion at each worship service that morning. Please join us as we remember those faithful saints of St. Paul UCC who have entered Life Eternal in the past year.
EARLY SCHOOL DISMISSAL IN OCTOBER
ST. PAUL UCC CELEBRATION CONCERT
The Wapak Halloween Parade will be on Thurs-
day, October 24th. Trick of treat is on Thurs-
day, October 31st.
HALLOWEEN PARADE
TRICK OR TREAT
Monthly meetings are the 1st Thursday of the month at 1:30PM in the Ritter Room. Our next scheduled meeting is Thursday, October 3rd. We provide support and fellowship for each other. Monthly collection enrich our church and commu-nity projects. Please join us!!!!
ALL SAINTS SUNDAY
CIRCLE
SABBATICAL LUNCHEON & PRESENTATION
NO SUNDAY SCHOOL
OFFERING ENVELOPES
We will be ordering offering envelopes for 2020 soon. If you presently get offering envelopes and do not wish to please let Cindy in the church office know as soon as possible. If you wish to receive envelopes and do not please let Cindy know this also.
THANK YOU CARD
Dear Members of St. Paul UCC Many thanks for the gift of the T-shirt and the gift card to Panera Beard. The card will come in very handy in the coming days and just maybe Ellen and I will send you a picture of the two of us in our Moon T-shirts. Many Thanks Peace Sam
There will be a 1 hour early dismissal on Wednesday, October 16th for Wapakoneta City Schools. There will be NO transportation from Wapak Elementary that day. FEAST will start at 3:45 with our Faith & Worship skills classes.
You are invited to stay after 10:15 worship on Sunday, October 6 for a luncheon and slide-show presentation as Pastor Becky Sunday shares memories and photos from her sabbati-cal experience. Please sign up in the breeze-way or contact the church office if you can at-tend. Lunch will be provided.
The CHILDREN’S Sunday School classed WILL NOT MEET ON SUNDAY, OCTOBER 13TH. We will meet the following Sunday (October 20th)
MISSION COMMITTEE
Linda Bryan will be resigning as the mission committee chairman/secretary at the end of this year. We are looking for folks interested in being the chairman and or secretary. Please let the church office know if you are interested in taking on this role. It is not a hard role and Linda can help you get started. We are also interested in having more church members participate on the committee, so let us know if this is something you would like to try. There will be a meeting on Tuesday, October 20th at 6:00. Feel free to come to the meeting and see what it’s all about before you decide. All are welcome!!!!!
THROUGH THE BIBLE IN 90 DAYS
Have you ever wanted to read the Bible from beginning to end, but just never quite got around to it? Now is your chance! By investing half an hour to forty-five minutes of daily reading, you can do it in as little as 90 days. Join Pastor Becky and others who are com-mitting to venturing deep into God’s word for weekly discussions each Thursday in the Ritter Room, beginning on Thursday, November 7th. Come and explore the scriptures to-gether! All are welcome.
ADULT SUNDAY SCHOOL
Mark Vaughn will once again be conducting a Sunday School class in the library, begin-ning at 9:00AM. It will have a similar format as last year, although we will be studying or viewing presentations by John Ortberg, entitled “Who Is This Man?” and Max Lucado, “The Story of Heaven” among other presentation….group discussion of the videos will also be part of the class. All are welcome!!!!!!!
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Faith Family Lunch You are invited to join the Faith Formation team for a soup and
salad lunch on October 27th after the 10:15 am worship service.
Lunch is provided. There will be some activities after lunch in-
cluding games for the adults and children. We will have board
games and cards available for anyone to use or just use the time
to visit. Please sign up in breeze way. If you have any questions
please call the church office.
NOISY OFFERING
What is a noisy offering? It is when you bring your change to church and drop it into a metal can. The funds raised will be used for a particular purpose. The plan for now is to supplement the Loaves and Fishes fund with the collections. We will be collecting on October 27, November 24, and December 22. If the purpose of the noisy offering changes or the Sunday for collection needs to change, the mission committee will let you know. Let’s make some noise.
Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat
1 2 3 4 5
6 7 8 9 10 11 12
13 14 15 16 17 18 19
20 21 22 23 24 25 26
27 28 29 30 31
October 2019
8:15AM Worship No Sunday School 10:15AM Worship
8:15AM Worship w/ Holy Communion 9:15AM Sunday School 10:15AM Worship w/ Holy Communion World Communion Sunday Sabbatical Lunch-eon & Slide Show
Wapak Trick or Treat
3:00PM FEAST 6-6:45PM Youth Choir 6:30PM Bell Choir 7:30PM Chancel Choir
9AM—12Noon CRI Sorting in Buckland
3:00PM FEAST 6-6:45PM Youth-Choir 6:30PM Bell Choir 7:30PM Chancel Choir
3:00PM FEAST 6-6:45PM Youth Choir 6:30PM Bell Choir 7:30PM Chancel Choir
1 hr Early Dismissal 3:45PM FEAST 6-6:45PM Youth Choir 6:30PM Bell Choir 7:30PM Chancel Choir
1:30PM Circle
Wapak Halloween Parade
3:00PM FEAST 6-6:45PM Youth Choir 6:30PM Bell Choir 7:30PM Chancel Choir
8:15AM Worship 9:15 AM Sunday School 10:15AM Worship NOISY OFFERING
8:15AM Worship w/Holy Communion 9:15 AM Sunday School 10:15AM Worship
6:30PM Suicide Survivors Support Group
6PM Church Council
Wedding Mary Frische & Brandin Skeens
6:00PM Mission Committee Meeting
6:00PM Faith Formation Meet-ing
St. Paul United Church of ChristSt. Paul United Church of ChristSt. Paul United Church of ChristSt. Paul United Church of Christ
101 South Perry Street101 South Perry Street101 South Perry Street101 South Perry Street
PO Box 147PO Box 147PO Box 147PO Box 147
Wapakoneta, OH 45895Wapakoneta, OH 45895Wapakoneta, OH 45895Wapakoneta, OH 45895
Church Office
Phone (419) 738-2215
Fax (419) 738-2076
Website: www.stpaulucc.com
Email: [email protected] Rev. Becky Sunday, Pastor
Study (419) 738-6216
Cell (567) 356-6773
Email [email protected]
Rev. Elaine Mikesell, pastor Emerita
Our MISSION
As a congregation of God’s people, we welcome and
encourage all to join in fellowship, joyful and inspira-
tional worship and faithful stewardship. United in Christ,
we support and nurture one another in personal devel-
opment and spiritual growth. We strive to reflect Christ’s
Love and to spread God’s Word throughout our commu-
nity and the world.
Non Profit Organization U. S. Postage Paid Wapakoneta, Ohio 45895 Permit No. 5
RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED
ST. PAUL
UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST Wapakoneta, Ohio
Regular Worship Times
Sunday Mornings 8:15 & 10:15 AM
Sunday School for All 9:00 AM
UPCOMING EVENTS
Working Lunches to move our church forward
March 1, March 15 and March 29
After 10:15 service. No reservations required. Child Care provided.
Lunch will be a simple soup and bread (for Lent).
Please plan to join us as we plan for our church’s future!
All are encouraged to attend.
LET’S GET TOGETHER !
Regular Worship Times
Sunday Mornings 8:15 & 10:15 AM
Sunday School 9:15AM Children’s Church during 10:15 worship
