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Rhonda’s Reflections

Connect@St.Paul’sUCC

I have been prayerfully focusing on St. Paul’s UCC vision for 2020 and all the promise and challenge it’s set to bring – our church, our city and nation,

and our world. Despite living in a society with so much technology designed to connect us, we are perhaps more disconnected than ever before. Studies routinely show that people feel lonelier, more isolated, and more detached. Divisions in our nation and among the human race run deep. Some have said this disconnect and divide are at the root of some of the greatest challenges our society and the church are facing. Having a “word” for the year has become a popular way to bring intention and focus to one’s life. As St. Paul’s UCC I invite our “word” for 2020 to be CONNECT involving three primary connections: Connect with God

Connect with our church family

Connect with our neighbor

These connections do not automatically happen simply because we are here. Sitting in the sanctuary does not automatically connect us with God or with our church family; just as volunteering to be on a committee does not automatically connect us with our neighbor. These connections must involve prayer and intentional, thoughtful action on our part.

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I invite you to join me in praying for all of us to consider how we might more powerfully Connect@St.Paul’sUCC. How is God directing us to intentionally connect with God, connect with church family, and connect with neighbor in this new year?

See you on Sunday, Rhonda

Ash Wednesday, February 26th at 7:00 pm begins our annual series of Wednesday Lenten Services to be held in the sanctuary. Communion will be offered at the Ash Wednesday Service. There will be six services with the last one occurring on April 1st. Make this worship experience part of your Lenten remembrance.

NOTICE:

Sunday, February 9th during the 10:30 a.m. worship there will be a tribute to Tom Hevlin.

Special music and thoughts will be shared.

ANNUAL MEETING FEBRUARY 9th The annual meeting of the congregation is scheduled for Sunday, February 9th. A luncheon will be held following worship which will then be followed by the meeting in which the 2019 accomplishments will be reviewed, celebrated, and annual reports received, and the election of President and Vice President of the congregation will be conducted.

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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 (except the first Thursday of each month).

February 13

February 20

February 27

Do you shop at Gordon Foods? If so, much like the Kroger Rewards Program that the Women’s Guild has, Gordon Foods has a points system. This point system greatly helps with purchasing food for our Breaking Bread meals. The next time you shop at Gordon Foods, ask them to credit your points to St. Paul’s Account #002159887! A little bit goes a long way! Thank you!

IT’S A NEW YEAR AND A NEW BEGINNING FOR OUR TOILET PAPER MISSION

What a great start to the New Year. We have collected 330 rolls of

toilet paper to date. Just keep the TP rolling. ~ Jane Nuss.

ONLINE GIVING IS AVAILABLE

Don’t forget that we now have online giving! It is available now by downloading Vanco Payment Solutions onto your mobile device by going to the app store or Google Play and search for “GivePlus Church” the download is free. We also have a button on our website that will also take you to the Vanco site. This service is available for your convenience!

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Attention ALL Ding-A-Lings Bell Choir will restart on February 12th at 7:00 pm in the Library. The gloves are washed and ready to go. If interested, but not sure about playing, give Jim Huckemeyer a call at (419) 305-0696

WE’RE GETTING A NEW ELEVATOR!!!!

In early December, area contractors were invited to attend an informational meeting at our church to gather information regarding our new elevator project. Any interested contractors were instructed to have their sealed bids submitted to the trustees by December 12. Three contractors submitted bids (Heyne, Muhlenkamp, and Dorsten), with Dorsten’s coming in with the lowest bid - $459,300.00. This was several thousand lower than the estimate, and we have entered into a contract with them to perform the work. Construction is scheduled to begin in early March and is scheduled to be finished by September 1. Our Gifting fund, Parsonage fund, and pledges to date total $402,200 and 2019 pledges not yet received are $10,400.00. This leaves us with a balance of $59,000.00 still to be raised. If you have not yet pledged to help with this project, your contribution in the next few months will help us reach our goal. This project has been a long time coming, and we hope you will prayerfully consider helping us finally make this a reality. Don’t forget – for every $250.00 you donate, you will be entered in a drawing with our winner getting the very first ride on our new elevator with a special mystery celebrity!!!

If you have questions regarding this “uplifting” project, Glenn Hadley, Bill Nuss, or any of our trustees will be happy to help answer. Questions regarding the fundraising can be directed to the fundraising committee members-Lynda Hadley, Bernie Schroer, David Dickman, Joyce Roth or Marsha Heckler.

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FEBRUARY Birthdays!

2 – Madilyn Mauter 4 – Brett Speckman 5 – Katie Lucas

9 – Allie Long 10 – AJ Dieringer 28 – Toby Turner

CHRISTIAN ED NEWS: The lessons from January 5 thru February 16 will be the

Armor of God. This will include: Belt of Truth, Shoes with the Gospel of Peace, Breastplate of Truth, Shield of Faith, Helmet of Salvation and Sword of the Spirit.

Kids will be singing on Sunday, February 23 during the church service – please make plans on attending.

February Offering will be: February 2: Lincoln James and Vince

Walter February 9: Avery Dieringer and Ava Winget February 16: Clay Milner and Ollie Chisholm February 23: Riley Anderson and Audra Clark

Our current mission to go along with the Armor of God lessons, will be collecting donations to send a care package to military personnel.

PERFECT ATTENDANCE NOVEMBER 2019

NURSERY Rylee Dieringer Graham James Ellie Burden Lucy Klosterman Pre-School Maya McDonald

5th Grade 6th Grade 7th Grade 8th Grade Brynn Clark Brian Speckman Ray Walter

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Kindergarten Kali Dieringer Amelia Klosterman 1st Grade Sophie Burden 2nd Grade Henry Klosterman 3rd Grade Aubrey Birt Emily Turner 4th Grade Lincoln James Vince Walter

Madison Milner Senior High Tyler Birt Karlie Lucas Brooke Turner Emma Birt Katie Lucas Leah Walter

Aluminum Can Recycling for the Youth Group

Thank you to everyone who is saving aluminum cans for the YOUTH GROUP. We will continue to save, collect, and recycle cans.

Cans need to be rinsed out and brought to St. Paul’s - just leave

them behind the curtain under the stairs of the Creation Station door. If you have a lot of cans and would like to just take them on to recycling and donate the money, it may be just as easy once they are in your vehicle. Thank you for your support.

INQUIRING MINDS WANT TO KNOW… Have you moved or have a new telephone number? A new email address? Do you have a child in college or leaving for college soon? We will need their new address too. Keep your church family updated with any new phone/address changes that you may have. Please contact the church office with your updates by either calling the church office at 419-394-3811 or emailing us at smucc@bright.net . Thank you!

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Birth Announcement

Tripp Anderson Burke born on January 5th in Nashville TN. Parents Tom and Brittany (Roth) Burke. Grandparents Bob and Joyce Roth. Great-grandparents Bernard and Marilyn Schroer.

HAS YOUR CHILD GRADUATED MID-YEAR?

If your child has graduated college mid-year, please let the church office know.

Our CONGRATS are going out to these young members on their college graduation:

*Maddie Ginter, daughter of Steve and Jennifer Ginter. Maddie graduated from Wright State University in December with her BS in nursing.

*Grace Garrison, daughter of Carolyn Garrison. Grace graduated from Wright State Lake Campus in December with her Associates in Graphic Design.

*Tyler Nuss, son of Jeff and Karen Nuss. Tyler recently obtained his degree in Mechanical Engineering.

*Hailee Andreoni, daughter of Melinda Silber. Hailee graduated from the University of Toledo with a BS in exercise science.

Best wishes to these young members on their future endeavors.

CRAFT SALE: Women's Guild will be having a craft table at the

Mom-2-Mom Sale in the Heritage Hall on Feb. 22. Please come to support the Mom 2 Mom sale and Women's Guild. Pictures of craft items will be on the Sunday School Facebook page to view.

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Dear Sunday School Teachers, Thank you so much for the generous gift card for Christmas~ Without your help, our Sunday School program would not be as successful as it is! You guys are awesome and I appreciate your help every week! May you and your families have a blessed Christmas and a Happy New Year! Thanks again, Kara Birt

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Dear Sunday School Teachers, Thank you so much for the gift card! I really appreciate it! We couldn’t do it without all of your help. We are blessed to have such a great group! Thanks again! Love, Julie Speckman

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All Church Potluck & Fellowship Night It’s that time of year again to warm up on a chilly night! Please plan on attending the “All Church Potluck and Fellowship Night” on Sunday, February 23rd from 4:45p-7:00 pm in Fellowship Hall. The theme is Potluck. Please bring either a meat, side dish, salad or dessert to share. Table service is provided. After our meal, we will play “Family Fued.” The next potluck will be March 29th. Any questions, please contact Amy Keller.

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Women’s Guild Cabinet met on January 7 with 6 members attending. Checkbook balance is $3513.26. The Christmas dinner was well attended and the meal was delicious. Thank you to the committee for all their hard work and to all those who helped clean up. It was decided to donate to the following organizations: $1000.00 to the church building fund loan, $300.00 to Helping Hands, $500.00 to Temple Hills, and $200.00 to Back Bay Mission. Guild also paid for the candles for the outside luminaries. Soup and Sandwich- Please join us in Fellowship Hall following worship on Sunday, February 9th for soup and sandwiches and of course, desserts! The annual meeting will follow. Valentine bags will again be delivered or sent to our homebound, college, and military members. Please bring your cards and candy to fill the bags between the dates of January 26 and February 9.

COOKIES FOR CROSSROADS – The Women’s Guild mission

and outreach project for this month is to aid Crossroad of Ft. Wayne, Indiana. Crossroad is a home for troubled teens in the surrounding area. Gathering cookies for Crossroad has been a tradition of our church for many years. We would like to continue this worthy mission with your help. Bake your favorite cookies and bring them to the church kitchen or the elevette room by Sunday morning, February 9th. They can be decorated, plain, or bar cookies. The cookies will be delivered to Crossroad during the following week. Please pack them in a gallon or quart zip lock bag to keep them fresh. Any questions, please call Kris Vanderhorst.

QUILTERS - meets on Wednesdays from 9 a.m. to ??? in the sewing room. Questions? Call Margaret Hunter at 419-733-4332.

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DO YOU CROCHET OR KNIT? HELP NEEDED! Looking for volunteers that are able to help out with making baby afghans. Yarn is available in the sewing room if needed. Questions? Call Margaret Hunter at (419) 733-4332.

The St. Paul’s UCC Women’s Guild will be holding BINGO on the following date:

February 10, 2020 Vancrest 6:30-7:30 pm

March 9, 2020 Grand Lake Health 6:30-7:30 pm

April 13, 2020 Otterbein 6:00-7:00 pm

May 11, 2020 Vancrest 6:30-7:30 pm

June 8, 2020 Grand Lake Health 6:30-7:30 pm

July 13, 2020 Otterbein 6:00-7:00 pm We are in need of BINGO helpers. Please call Janice Katterheinrich at (419) 394-3264 to let one of them know if you can help work the Bingo or if you can bring cookies.

Super Bowl Concert

The Lima Area chapter of the American Guild of Organists will present their Super Bowl concert on Sunday, February 2, 2020 (weather permitting) at 3:00 pm at Market Street Presbyterian Church, 1100 West Market Street, Lima, Ohio.

JTDMH Guild #20 Dues

The Joint Township District Memorial Hospital Auxiliary Dues are now being collected. All are welcome to belong and support our local hospital. Dues are $15 and checks should be made out to "JTDMH Auxiliary". Money or checks should be given to Ann Vogel by February 23, 2020.

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A WORD OF THANKS:

To the Women’s Guild of St. Paul’s, David and I thank you for the Christmas gift cards. What an unexpected and most appreciated gift which we look forward to using in the very near future. We feel so blessed to be in ministry with the Women’s Guild of St. Paul’s UCC. Thank you and God Bless you, Rhonda and David Hainer

*~*~*~* Dear Women’s Guild, Thank you very much for the gift card for Christmas! That was such a nice surprise for our family! Your thoughfulness was very much appreciated! Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! Thanks again, Kara Birt

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Women’s Guild, Thank you for the gift card. You know I’ll enjoy it! I’m grateful to have an opportunity to share my piano playing. Thank you! Cindy Hanover

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Dear ladies of Women’s Guild, Thank you so much for the gift card! Your thoughtfulness is appreciated! Thanks again and many blessings Julie Speckman

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Dear Women’s Guild, Thank you very much for the gift card for Beer Barrel! It is much appreciated. Thanks again. Bob Schumacher

*~*~*~* Dear Women’s Guild, Thank you so much for thinking of me at Christmas time. The gift card was much appreciated. Also, thank you for all that you do for so many people! Love, Amy Keller

*~*~*~* Dear ladies of Rebecca Circle, Just a quick note to let you know my grandmother, Leona Peterman, appreciates the card you sent. We celebrated her 99th birthday at the nursing home with a small family gathering. Overall, her health is good and is going to strive to make it to 100! Sincerely, Michelle Hill

*~*~*~* Dear Ladies, Thank you so much for the gift card you gave me for Christmas. I know I will enjoy using it. It is so thoughtful of you to remember me. Thanks again, Ann Vogel

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Dear Congregation and Women’s Guild, Thank you so much for the generous Christmas bonus and gift card to Beer Barrel! We are looking forward to hiring a babysitter and going on a date once things calm down after the holidays! We appreciate all your support and feel blessed to be able to be a part of the mission at St. Paul’s. In Him, Mark and Amy Dieringer

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Dear Consistory and Women's Guild, Your thoughtfulness and generosity encourages me to do my best, always. Thank you to Consistory for the Christmas bonus and thank you to the Women's Guild for the Beer Barrel gift card. Both items are sure to come in handy, but more than that, it gives me great confidence to know that my hard work is being recognized. Thank you! Carolyn Garrison

*~*~*~* Dear St. Paul's Consistory and Women’s Guild, Thank you for the generous Christmas gifts. It was greatly appreciated. I am proud to be part of this church family. Thank you, Kim Opperman

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Dear Church family, Thanks to all who thought of me this past Christmas season. Blessing for a Happy New Year! Mary Alice Stoner

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Dear Consistory, Thank you very much for the Christmas bonus! That was very thoughtful and very much appreciated! Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! Kara Birt

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Dear Consistory, Thank you very much for the Christmas bonus! I appreciate the opportunity to share my piano playing with the church. Thanks again! Cindy Hanover

*~*~*~* We want to say Thank You for being here for Bud and I. We are so appreciative that we have not been forgotten. Again, thank you and Happy New Year! Bea Lehman

*~*~*~* Dear Consistory, Thank you so much for the Christmas bonus! Your kindness is appreciated! Thanks again and Blessings to all! Julie Speckman

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To the Consistory of St. Paul’s Thank you all for the generous gift given to me at Christmas. I appreciate your kindness and support as your settled Pastor. God bless you all as we continue to serve Christ and this congregation and the community of St. Marys, Ohio. Rev. Rhonda Hainer

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Dear Consistory, Thank you very much for the Christmas bonus! It was very much appreciated. Thanks again! Bob Schumacher

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Dear St. Paul’s UCC, Thank you so much for your gift to Heidelberg University. The university is indeed grateful to be the recipient of such a kind and thoughtful gift. Thank you again, Katie M. McCrystal, Director of The Heidelberg Fund

*~*~*~*~*~ Dear St. Paul’s UCC, Thank you to the members of your church for the kind gift to Defiance College. Your support is important to our success, and is very appreciated. Sincerely, Michele Tinker, Interim Director of Development

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Dear Consistory members, Thanks so much for the money your gave me for Christmas. It was so thoughtful of you to remember me and I do enjoy playing the organ for church services. Thanks again, Ann Vogel

Our sympathy to the family and friends of the following member who passed away since the last newsletter:

Tom Hevlin – January 12, 2020

To the New Elevator Fund in memory of Martha Cisco: St. Paul’s Women’s Guild

To the New Elevator Fund in memory of Karen Adams: St. Paul’s Women’s Guild, Gene and Jeannie Hiser, Damon Goodwin.

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To the New Elevator Fund in memory of Jeanette Speckman: St. Paul’s Women’s Guild, Connie and John Steiert and family, Ruth Dustman, Jack and Jami Leffel, Jim and Kris Vanderhorst, Jerry and Jen Lucas, Glenn and Lynda Hadley, Karen James, Matt and Christine Settlage, John Settlage, Bob and Patty Harrod, the Grady Shaner family, Steven and Linda Langlais, Bill and Jane Nuss, and Margaret and Gary Patton.

To the New Elevator Fund in memory of James May: Martha May

To the Memorial Fund in memory of Robert Stoner: Mary Alice Stoner

To the Memorial Fund in memory of Jeanette Speckman: Mary Alice Stoner

To the Music Fund in memory of Tom Hevlin: Janet Swartz, Virginia Burroughs, Eleanor Morgan, Dick and Ann Hudson, Mary Ann Rempe, Dr. Ralph and Sue Hecht, and Celina Animal Hospital Staff.

To the New Elevator Fund in memory of Tom Hevlin: Dorothy McMullen, Larry and Linda L. McMullen and Dave and Linda S. Huston, Adele Fast.

Life is eternal, and love is immortal, and death is only a horizon; and a horizon is nothing save the limit of

our sight. ~ Rossiter W. Raymond

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CHURCH INFO 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. Thank you! ‘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.

FOR THE RECORD - 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 call the church office with address corrections or if you do not see your Birthday or Anniversary listed during the correct month. Call 419-394-3811. Thank you!! Cell phone # for Pastor Rhonda (563) 210-3508 rhainer@bright.net – Rev. Hainer’s e-mail address. smucc@bright.net - church e-mail address. Use this to e-mail articles for the newsletter/messages for the Sunday bulletin. christianed@bright.net - Christian Education and Youth Director email address. cschmidt@stpaulsuccsm.com to contact Carol Schmidt for the Email Prayer Team Requests. spmedia@bright.net – to contact Jim Huckemeyer or Rich Spencer email address. www.stpaulsuccsm.com - church web site address and most current worship service videos can be seen here.

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Televised worship service- our worship service here at St. Paul’s is shown on TSC cable - Digital channel 1 OR non-digital 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.

STAFF OF ST. PAUL’S UCC: Rev. Rhonda Hainer, Pastor

Carolyn Garrison, Administrative Assistant

Amy & Mark Dieringer, Youth Directors

Jim Huckemeyer, Director of Music

Andrea Spencer, Organist

Ann Vogel, Organist

Cynthia Hanover, Pianist

Bob Schumacher, Custodian

Rich Spencer, Audio and Video

Carol Schmidt, Email Prayer Team Contact

Kara Birt & Julie Speckman, Interim Christian Ed

Coordinators

Julie Speckman, Church School Superintendent

Amy Keller, Confirmation Teacher

Kim Opperman, Nursery Supervisor

Kroger Fund Raiser for the Women’s Guild – If you would like to support Women’s Guild with the Kroger fundraiser, log on to: www.krogercommunityrewards.com to sign up & register your

Kroger Plus card. NPO# is SK572. If you do not use the internet,

but would like to sign up, please contact Jane Nuss or Kris Vanderhorst. 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.

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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. 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 unavailable. ANOTHER 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 available to church members on a “temporary” basis. If you are interested in checking out this machine, please contact the church office.

WALKERS - If you have need of a walker for assistance in getting around, please call the church office. One of our church members has several different type walkers, which are available for loan.

RESTROOM ITEMS: If you have a need for shower chairs, toilet seat elevators and hand-held shower adapters, please call the church office. One of our church members has graciously donated a few of these items.

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). OFFERING ENVELOPES - are distributed by quarterly mailing. Please notify the church office if you are not receiving envelopes and would like to be added to this mailing list. Also......PLEASE

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NOTIFY THE CHURCH OFFICE IF YOU HAVE A CHANGE OF ADDRESS. COPIES - if you need copies made of any personal items, you may stop by the church office and we 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. THE DVD/CD DUPLICATOR in the church office enables us to make multiple copies of the morning worship service. Please call the church 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.

2020 CHURCH OFFICIALS

President of Congregation Mike Laird Vice-president of Congregation Luke Leffel

President of Consistory Ralph Heckler Vice-president of Consistory Marsha Landers

2020 Members of Consistory Elders: Ralph Heckler Virginia Burroughs

Jane Nuss Marsha Landers

Joan Leffel Mary Holtzapple Deacons: Joel Tangeman Victor Long

Carol Waesch Luke Leffel Lynn Schmidt Melinda Silber

Lynda Hadley Kellie Kill Susan Braun Linda McDonald

Jennifer Ginter Susan Spencer

Trustees: Greg Walter, Kyle Opperman and Larry Kill

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FINANCIAL REPORT December 2019: Current Fund: Budgeted through December 31, 2019 = $273,098.00 Received through December 31, 2019 = $214,931.44 Expenses through December 31, 2019 = $220,289.79 Received through December 31, 2018 = $226,504.30

Mission Fund: Budgeted through December 31, 2019 = $ 21,000.00 Received through December 31, 2019 = $ 12,229.00 Received through December 31, 2018 = $ 14,379.00

Status of 2020 Budget: Current Fund: Budgeted through January 31, 2020 = $22,394.00 Budgeted through January 19, 2020 = $16,795.50 Received through January 19, 2020 = $12,318.00

Mission Fund: Budgeted through January 31, 2020 = $ 1,250.00 Budgeted through January 19, 2020 = $ 937.50 Received through January 19, 2020 = $ 485.00

MINUTES OF THE JANUARY 8, 2020 CONSISTORY MEETING

Following a Meet and Greet with the existing Consistory members and the newly installed members including a delicious appetizer/dessert bar, the regular meeting of St. Paul’s UCC Consistory was called to order at 6:01 p.m. by President Doug Spencer. Pastor Rhonda Hainer opened the meeting with a prayer. Present: Elders: Jane Laird, Jane Nuss, Marsha Landers, Virginia Burroughs and Ralph Heckler; Trustees: Kyle Opperman, Bill Nuss and Greg Walter; Deacons: Doug Spencer, Jerry Lucas, Kelly Kill, Melinda Silber, Carolyn Waesch, Lynda Hadley, Lynn Schmidt, Jim

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Huckemeyer, Luke Leffel and Karen James. Also present were, Pastor Rhonda Hainer, Treasurer, David Dickman, Custodian Bob Schumacher, Administrative Assistant Carolyn Garrison, Diane Gayer from Personnel and Bernie Schroer. Also, in attendance were the new 2020 members to Consistory: Mary Holtzapple, Joni Leffel, Susan Braun, Jennifer Ginter and Susan Spencer (absent, Linda McDonald). Christian Education and Nurture: No report Minutes:

Minutes from the December 11, 2019 meeting were reviewed. Jane Nuss made a motion to approve the minutes. Kyle Opperman seconded. Motion carried.

Financial Report: David Dickman

David reviewed the Financial Report for the month of December 2019. Discussion was held regarding the need for an independent financial audit since the last one was approximately 10 years ago. David will follow up and report next month. President Doug asked for a motion to place the financial report for review by the church Administrative Assistant. Lynn Schmidt made a motion and Virginia Burroughs seconded the motion. Motion carried.

President’s Report: No report Pastor’s Report: Pastor Rhonda

Pastor Rhonda reported that she performed two funerals in December.

Pastor Rhonda has received positive affirmation from those who participated in the well-attended Wednesday night Advent services held for three consecutive evenings.

Rhonda asked Consistory for input on the suggestion of sending birthday postcards to congregation members (with postage coming from the Stewardship budget). The idea was well received among Consistory members. Ralph Heckler made a motion for Rhonda to begin the project of

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sending birthday postcards to congregation members. Kyle Opperman seconded. Motion carried. Carolyn will order the pre-printed postcards that Rhonda will sign.

Pastor Rhonda asked what month is best for her installation service and if that service should be done during the 10:30 worship or whether to have a special service in the afternoon. After much discussion, it was decided that the first Sunday in March during our regular worship will work for the installation. We will invite Pastor Dan Busch to preach that day. Carolyn will report that information to the Association office.

Loose Offering for 2nd Sunday of January:

Mindy Silber made a motion for the loose offering for January to go to the St. Marys After Prom committee. Luke Leffel seconded. Motion carried.

Budget and Finance: David Dickman

David reported that there is a very small balance in the Search and Moving Master Savings account. Since the money is not needed for our Settled Pastor, he asked that the Consistory approve transferring of that balance to Current and that the current money in the UCC Scholarship Fund to be transferred to Edward Jones for growth. Kyle Opperman made a motion to close out the Search and Moving fund by transferring the balance to Current and to transfer the money in the Scholarship Fund to Edward Jones to be invested. Jim Huckemeyer seconded the motion. Motion carried.

Trustees: Bill Nuss

Trustees are currently renovating the Pastor’s office which has not been updated since when Pastor Pat served this congregation. The office and restroom adjacent have been painted and new carpeting has been ordered and will be installed Jan. 20th.

Elders: Jane Nuss

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We had communion by intinction this past Sunday. There is a new Elder schedule to be passed around.

Deacons: Lynn Schmidt

Deacon scheduled will be prepared soon. Christian Mission and Outreach: No report Personnel: Diane Gayer

Committee met in November and created a new ad for the position of Director of Christian Ed.

There are two individuals that have expressed interest since this past Sunday in that position.

Personnel are meeting this next week to review the job description and current applications.

Elevator Committee: Lynda Hadley

Things are looking good for the start of elevator construction in March and the closing of the elevette. Discussion was held what plan would be needed in the interim to assist those who normally use the elevette.

If a ramp is needed (and is the correct length needed), Karen James reported that she has one stored that could be used if feasible for our needs.

Stewardship Committee: No report Installation of Settled Pastor – Rev. Rhonda Hainer Discussion

was held on a possible date and time for the Installation of our Settled Pastor. A decision was made that the Installation be held on the first Sunday in March, March 1st at the 10:30 service and inviting Conference Pastor Dan Busch to preach.

Old Business:

Jim Huckemeyer gave an update on the sanctuary screen. Due to the weight of installing the ascending screen, it is more feasible to have a pull-down screen. Bernie Schroer, reported on the engineering and safety issues and concerns that we could face if we went with the 500 lb. ascending screen. Jim reported that the pull-down screen costs less than the ascending screen and therefore the extra funds

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that were originally donated for the ascending screen would be used to get a TV monitor for the rear of the church which will aid anyone leading worship and singing in the choir. Eventually the cameras in the sanctuary will need to be replaced as well.

Doug Spencer will give an updated announcement in church on Sunday regarding the need to redirect donations to the sanctuary screen to a descending screen and a TV monitor for the back of the church. Kelly Kill made a motion to rescind the previous motion for the ascending screen and to accept the change to a descending screen with repurposing the donor’s money for adding a TV screen for the rear of the church. Jane Laird seconded the motion. Motion carried.

Lynda Hadley reported that the Missions Committee met last month regarding the capital campaign for Templed Hills. A financial commitment/ goal is needed as well as creative fund raising to meet their goal.

President Doug thanked those Consistory members who have completed their term. Doug dismissed those members and handed the reigns over to the 2020 Consistory President, Ralph Heckler.

New Business:

Pastor Rhonda performed the installation of Trustees Greg Walter and Larry Kill who were unable to be in attendance for the installation service last Sunday.

Rhonda invited discussion on what our “Word” might be for the coming year and suggested the word Connect be used as our focus. How do we connect with God, connect with our church family, and connecting with our neighbor – community? She encouraged every committee to consider this as their focus as well for 2020.

President Ralph asked for a volunteer chairperson for the new church directory. Susan Spencer volunteered. Lynda

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Hadley made a motion to accept Susan Spencer as the chairperson of the church directory committee. Jane Nuss seconded. Motion carried.

Ralph is looking for a chairperson for the Evangelism Committee. The name of a potential candidate was mentioned and will check with that person this Sunday at church.

Ralph thanked Marsha Landers for getting the communion schedule together.

There being no further regular business, Jane Nuss made a motion to adjourn the meeting. Virginia Burroughs seconded. Motion carried. The meeting adjourned at 7:38 pm. Respectfully submitted, Ralph Heckler, 2020 Consistory President Carolyn Garrison, Administrative Assistant

Deadline for articles, announcements, etc. for the March issue of The Communicator will be February 17th at 9 a.m.