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Christmas was coming. I wanted an electric guitar. My mother really needed a new winter coat. I already had an acoustic guitar but I was sure I was destined to be a rock star (as many eleven year olds might have dreamed then). My mother didn’t get a new coat. I got the guitar. The man that I am now certainly feels ashamed that was the way it went that Christmas. My mom made the sacrifice.

In its purest sense, Christmas really is about sacrifice. You see, Jesus’ birth into the world was a sacrificial gift that God was making to humanity that first Christmas day. His birth was not about mirth, laughter, lights and celebration. It was about what God needed to do to bring hope into our world. God chose our need over the pain God would feel by, out of the purest love there could be, giving to us the best God had to give.

I still have that guitar. Every time I look at it I am ashamed. I know, though, it was unselfish love that bought it for me. In the same way I am also ashamed because God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son...the greatest gift of all.

Have a blessed Christmas!

With Love,

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From Your Consistory . . .

At our last meeting your Consistory decided that we needed to share with you an important concern. Currently, our income for the general fund is over $9,000.00 behind expenses. In determining why this has happened, we have discovered the major reason is from loss of income we received from members who have died over the last couple years and, of course, are no longer giving a weekly offering. From past experience, we know that our congregation is not one that will make annual pledges but, we also know, we are a congregation that is generous. We have approximately 200 giving units contributing on a regular basis. We also have some members who don’t give currently whom we would ask to start with whatever they are able to contribute. Our request is that all of you would consider at least a $10.00/month increase in your giving to the general fund. If we are able to accomplish that goal, it would generate another $24,000.00 a year which we are going to need in 2016. When those that go before us leave this life, we feel the void in many ways. The financial support of our church, is then, for those of us still living to assume as our responsibility. Please give the best you are able. Thank you. Your Consistory,

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SERMON SCHEDULE FOR DECEMBER

December 6 Make Ready! - Luke 3:1-6 December 13 Children’s Program December 20 Mary’s Song - Luke 1:39-55 December 27 What Child Is This? - Luke 2:41-52

2016 Budget Presentation

The 2016 budget (approved by Consistory) is included in this edition of “The Communicator”. There will be a budget hearing immediately following the 10:30 a.m. worship service on Sunday, December 6th. The budget will be considered for the congregation’s approval at the congregational meeting after the 10:30 a.m. worship service on Sunday, December 13th.

ALTAR COMMUNION: The first Sunday of the month altar communion will be served after the 8 a.m. worship service only on Sunday, December 6th. This is due to the scheduling (by constitutional requirement) of the budget hearing following the 10:30 worship service.

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Congregational meeting: There will be a congregational meeting

immediately following the 10:30 worship on Sunday, December 13th, for the purpose of: 1) approving the budget recommended by Consistory for 2016; and 2) electing deacons, elders and a trustee to fill positions on the consistory: Those nominated are: Deacons: Becky Rasawehr, Billie Kay Marsee, Jami Leffel and TBA Elders: Sharon Sullivan and Diane Gayer Trustee: Glenn Hadley

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.

NOTICE of Meal Schedule Change: There will be NO MEALS in the month of December

Breaking Bread Staff is taking a Holiday Break! Please join us back here on January 7th! Thank you.

Staff Christmas Dinner - Your church staff and their guests will gather together for their annual Christmas dinner this year at Marley’s Restaurant in Wapakoneta on Wednesday, the 2nd of December at 5:30 pm. It has always been a great occasion for those who serve our church so well.

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This year we are adding an additional opportunity for worship on Christmas Eve. In addition to the 7 pm service, there will be a new service at 11:15 pm. Both services will include carols, candles and communion. The 7 pm service will have the full choir and continue the more celebrative tradition it always has been. The 11:15 service will have a different, more serene tone with the added experience of leaving the service after midnight, on Christmas day. Come to one or come to both as we celebrate our Savior’s birth.

Communion There will be a few opportunities to take part in December. The first will be Altar Communion on Sunday, December 6th following the 8:00 a.m. service only. Another opportunity will be on Thursday, December 24th at 7:00 p.m. and 11:15 p.m. at our Christmas Eve Services.

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ATTENTION EARLY SERVICE

ATTENDEES

Worship at 8 a.m. on Sunday, December 13, will be held in Heritage Hall. The sanctuary that morning will be needed for rehearsal for the Children’s Christmas Pageant.

On November 15, 2015 we welcomed the following individuals into our church family:

Joel Tangeman Kayla Tangeman

LONGEST NIGHT

St. Paul UCC, New Bremen, will be hosting a “Longest Night Service” for the communities in our area on Saturday, December 19 at 5 p.m. The service is designed especially to be helpful to those experiencing difficulty being light-hearted and happy at Christmas.

DO YOU HAVE ANY CHANGES?? 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 emailing us at smucc@bright.net or calling the church office at (419) 394-3811. Thank you!

CHRISTMAS CONCERT

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The St. Marys Brass Quintet returns to St. Paul’s on Sunday, December 6th at 7pm., with all your favorite Christmas music! You’ll find this concert a treat (as those who attended last year will tell you). A great way to celebrate the season, treat yourself and your friends to a merry night out! You’ll be glad you did!

Another opportunity for a life changing experience!

Pastor Jeanette and Terry Tangeman are planning a mission work trip to Back Bay Mission, Biloxi, MS Feb 28-Mar 5, 2016. There are many varied projects for all ages (minimum age 14--maximum age?? your choice). Even though it has been 10 years since Katrina, there is still much work to do, both hurricaine related and help for those who are elderly, disabled or low income, the homeless and our veterans. Come and make a real difference in someone's life each day (and often in your own as well.) Please contact Pastor Jeanette at tangeman@ohiolink.net or call 419-234-7935. Even though it seems far away, we need to be making plans soon.

REMINDER -- CONTRIBUTIONS FOR

2015 should be submitted to the church office no

later than Noon on December 30th in order to

receive credit on your 2015 giving statement.

This gives the office time to make all final deposits before the end of the year. Any

contributions received after Noon on December

30th will be credited to you in 2016. Thank you!!

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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.

December

Birthdays!

1 - Colton McCollum 2 - Zane Solomon (Stabelli)

13 - Brian Speckman 26 - Carly Caywood

October perfect attendance-4th, 11th, 18th, and 25th Nursery, Preschool, Kindergarten Adelyn Clark Henry Klosterman Toby Turner Mason Collins Aubrey Birt Beckett Clark Nickales Dieringer

Ray Walter Parker Wilson 5th and 6th Grade Charley Spencer Brooke Turner Calvin Caywood Caroline Leffel Rebecca Leffel 7th Grade

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Emily Turner 1st and 2nd Grade Piper Marsee Colton McCollum Audra Clark Peyton Wilson 3rd and 4th Grade Caleb Turner Toby Yahl Cody Birt Brynn Clark Andrew Leffel Brian Speckman

Emma Birt Brad Speckman Leah Walter 8th Grade Confirmation Carly Caywood Kalie Gayer Jacklyn Leffel Kyle Lucas Meg Moeller Senior High Clare Caywood Hailee Andreoni Rachel Moeller

Christian Ed/Sunday School Dates to Remember:

December 6- Bengals/Browns Day December 12- Christmas Program Practice December 13- Christmas Program January 3 - No Sunday School February 7- Kids sing in Church April 3- Kids sing in Church May 22- Kids sing in Church July 10-13- VBS July 17- Kids sing in Church Christmas Program Practice Practice for the program will be on Saturday, Dec. 12 at 9:30 am for all age groups. We will need some volunteers in the nursery as we will bring the younger kids in and out of practice. Pizza party will follow practice and no need to bring any money as the party is this year's gift to the kids. Kids should be ready to be picked up around 12:15. The program will take place on Sunday, Dec. 13 during the 10:30 service.

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Fundraisers Thanks to all who have participated in our cookie, poinsettia, and recycling fundraisers. We are steadily working our way towards our new goal of $15,000. Look for details on our newest fundraiser which will begin in early 2016. National Youth Event All pre-registration forms with the required $100 fee are due by December 31. No registrations will be accepted after Dec. 31. Please talk to Laura if you have questions about this event. To all who have registered the additional $50 is due by April 30. It's hard to believe that after almost 3 years of planning and fundraising this exciting event is almost here! There will be a parent meeting in February...details to follow. Nativity We hope you are enjoying the additions to our Nativity this year. The kids voted on what to add to the Nativity and worked on sanding and painting the animals. Special thanks to Dave and Kara Birt and family for finding and cutting out the patterns and to Jeff and Julie Speckman and family for letting us use their building for the sanding and painting. Christmas Break Bags Christian Ed is once again heading up the Christmas Break Bag mission. Informational letters go home with kids from school and families will have the opportunity to stop at church and pick up a bag(s) of food to help them get through the school break. Reminder There will not be any Sunday School on January 3, 2016.

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WOMEN'S NEWS College & Military Addresses – Please let the church office know your address if you are attending college or serving in the military. Even if your address is the same as last year, please confirm this with the office. Also, let us know if you are attending college, but living at home. This information is important for future mailings.

NOTE: There will be NO Quilting or Busy Needles in the month of December.

Harvest Meal Wrap-up Thanks to all who participated in any way in the October 14th Harvest Meal and Bake Sale. This is a day where it truly does take a village and it makes me proud to be a member of St. Paul’s when so many offer their assistance to make it happen. In 2015, we cleared $957 on both the meal and the bake sale; and those funds will be used to support Women’s Guild activities. In 2014, we cleared $917 on the meal/bake sale. Over the past several years the numbers of meals served has fallen annually, with a significant drop down to 125 meals served this year. Perhaps the change in this year’s menu was the reason for the decrease in the number of meals served. Or, maybe this annual meal has ‘run its course’. Whatever the reason, after twelve years, it’s time for me to step back and let someone else coordinate the event. I thank everyone who has been so helpful over the years; and I offer my support and assistance to whomever takes on the project!

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Jill Dickman

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) 305-1321.

The Giving Tree – will be set up in the sanctuary for collection

of hats, gloves, mittens, and scarves. Items will be collected through December 20th at which time they will be given to Goodfellows to be distributed. Thank you for continuing to support this mission.

NEW YARN is available for hats,

scarves, and mittens for the "Giving Tree" this coming Christmas season. Yarn can be picked up in the old kitchen off of Heritage Hall. In addition, there is a need for afghans to keep someone warm.

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To the Mission Endowment Fund in memory of Ray Schmidt: Jennifer Rae Smith

To the Endowment Fund in memory of Howard Dickman: Willis and Ruth Henschen, Phil and Rose Anderson, Fern Johns and Family, Keith Fledderjohann, The family of Marilyn Dickman, Beverly Koenig, Harold Dammeyer, Steve and Jennifer Ginter and family, Paul Kuck Family, Calvin and Dianne Caywood, Rich and Sue Spencer, Lee and Sandra Clausing, Verneda Fark, Mary Alice Stoner, Bernie & Marilyn Schroer, Harold McCune, Janet Swartz, Ralph and Marsha Heckler, Dorothy McMullen, Ron Ketchum, Dorothy Quellhorst, Kurt and Melissa Quellhorst, Gary and Sara Seewer, Jim and Kris Vanderhorst, Tom Hevlin, Bill and Jane Nuss, Jim and Mary Ann Rempe, Ken and Kim Strickland, Dorothy Nuss, Fred and Pam Scheer, George and Janet Gibson, Rose Leffel, John and Becky Davis, Jim and Neva Rowen, DeWayne and Billie Kay Marsee, Shirley Huckeriede and Jim Niemeyer, Ruth Seewer, Mark and Paula Topp, Dean Clausing, Larry Clausing Family, Charlie Cochran, Alan and Ruth Brown, Jack and Lisa Masonbrink, Don and Peggy Leugers, Gary and Vera Schmidt, Jay and Dee Fledderjohann, Neal and Cindy Fledderjohann, Jean and Jeff Vossler, Warren and Dorothy Musser, Lois and Willis Metz, Joanna and Ralph Shroyer, Sandy and Dale Kremer, and Ken Dicke.

To the Choir Fund in memory of Jeri Engle: Sandra and Lee Clausing.

To the Breaking Bread in memory of Edna Tontrup: Steve Burke

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Dear Wonderful Christians at St. Paul’s UCC, My mother, Monica O’Dowd, has been nourished by both your dinners and your kindness for quite some time. I know that she really enjoyed coming there. Unfortunately, she recently became very ill (dehydrated); had a week long hospital stay; and is now rehabilitating at the St. Marys Living Center. Please pray for her recovery and accept my donation to Breaking Bread. God Bless All of You! Leslie O’Dowd

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ 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 much appreciated. We are always very grateful for your support! Michele J. Tinker, Director of Annual Giving, Defiance College Dear Rev. Bray: It is my sincere pleasure to thank you for your congregation’s recent gift to Heidelberg University. It is so heartening when we

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receive a gift from a donor that allows us to say “yes” to one or more of our students. Your support demonstrates your belief in Heidelberg University and tells our students and faculty that someone believes in them. Sincerely, Sue Berryman, Coordinator of Alumni Engagement and Donor Relations

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ Dear St. Paul’s: The Hirschfeld Foundation, Inc. thanks you for your generous donation. Summerfest weekend was a success! The kids loved the free face painting and our volunteers had fun in the annual parade. With your support, we raised enough funds for our Robert L. Hirschfeld Scholarship Program to help three students continue their education. Please follow us on our website and Facebook page. Thank you again for your generous support of our efforts. Best wishes, Jamie Heitbrink, Director

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ Dear St. Paul’s, Agape is grateful for your kind donation to help keep our food pantry shelves filled for those in need. Thank you so much, Kathy Bayless

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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 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 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!! Home phone # for Pastor Ed is 419-300-9771 smucc@bright.net - church e-mail address. Use this to e-mail articles for the newsletter/messages for the Sunday bulletin. ebray@bright.net is Rev. Bray’s personal email address if you would like to contact him. christianed@bright.net - Christian Education and Youth Director email address. ssullivan@stpaulsuccsm.comto contact Sharon Sullivan for the Email Prayer Chain Requests. www.stpaulsuccsm.com - church web site address

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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. Dr. Eddie A. Bray Jr., Pastor

Al Baker, Minister of Visitation

Carolyn Garrison, Administrative Assistant Amy Dieringer, Youth Director

Laura Yelton, Director of Children’s Choirs, C.E. Coordinator

Becky Anderson, Director of Music Andrea Spencer, Organist

Ann Vogel, Organist

Tom Hevlin, Organist Emeritus Bob Schumacher, Custodian

Rich Spencer, Audio and Video Sharon Sullivan, Email Prayer Chain Contact

Julie Speckman, Church School Superintendent

Amy Keller, Confirmation Teacher Kathy McGee, Sunday Nursery Supervisor

LOCATION FOR LABELS/BOXES DROP OFF - There is a box inside the church parking lot door for labels, boxes and receipts for the MR/DD Program. Please be sure they are in a bag when you place them in the box. Thanks so much for saving these items!! KROGER FUND RAISER FOR THE WOMEN’S GUILD - If you would like to support Women’s Guild with the Kroger fundraiser, log on

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to: www.Krogercommunityrewards.com to sign up and register your Kroger Plus card. Our NPO# is 82083 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. 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 available. 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 set elevators and hand held shower adapters, please call the church office. One of our church members has graciously donated a few of these items.

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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 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.

2015 CHURCH OFFICIALS President of Congregation Ron Ketchum

Vice-president of Congregation Jim Huckemeyer President of Consistory Lori Scheer Vice-president of Consistory Cindy Huckemeyer

2015 Members of Consistory Elders: Pam Scheer Jill Dickman Jane Nuss Bob Klein Bernie Schroer John Holtzapple

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Deacons: Lori Scheer Jen Lucas Irene Lininger Lynda Hadley Marsha Landers Joan Smith

Lynn Schmidt Cindy Huckemeyer Mary Holtzapple Ron Kline Michael Briggs Adele Fast

Trustees: Tim Hirschfeld, Fred Scheer & Chuck Greenawalt

FINANCIAL REPORT OCTOBER 2015: Current Fund:

Budgeted through October 31, 2015 = $207,200.00 Received through October 31, 2015 = $180,415.56 Expenses through October 31, 2015 = $194,542.00 Received through October 31, 2014 = $198,910.00

Mission Fund: Budgeted through October 31, 2015 = $20,830.00 Received through October 31, 2015 = $18,194.78 Received through October 31, 2014 = $19,949.00

Status of 2015 Budget: Current Fund: Budgeted through November 30, 2015 = $227,920.00 Budgeted through November 15, 2015 = $219,632.00 Received through November 15, 2015 = $193,088.31

Mission Fund: Budgeted through November 30, 2015 = $22,913.00 Budgeted through November 15, 2015 = $22,081.00 Received through November 15, 2015 = $19,213.78

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HIGHLIGHTS OF THE NOVEMBER 2015 CONSISTORY MEETING

MINUTES:

Minutes of the October 13, 2015 meeting were reviewed. Minutes were approved with a motion by Bernie Schroer; seconded by Lynda Hadley. Motion carried.

BREAKING BREAD: Jeanette Tangeman

Sandy Monfort with Open Gate approached Jeanette and would like to set up a table (starting in 2016) during Breaking Bread four times a year offering the various services such as Council on Aging, First Step Services (applying for food stamps, mental health filings, utility/rent help, etc.), AA to name a few. This is an organization that serves those in need. A motion to approve Open Gate was made by Jill Dickman; seconded by Jane Nuss. Motion carried.

CHRISTIAN EDUCATION AND NURTURE: Rev. Bray for Laura Yelton

The Sunday School kids and youth are preparing for the upcoming Christmas Program in December.

There are approximately 17 kids signed up for the National Youth Event.

FINANCIAL REPORT: Dave Dickman

Dave reviewed the October 2015 Financial Report. The Financial Report was approved with a motion by Lynda Hadley; seconded by Bob Klein. Motion carried.

PRESIDENT'S REPORT: Lori Scheer

St. Marys City Schools have again asked permission to use St. Paul’s this school year for an emergency evacuation location. Jane Nuss made a motion to approve; Pam Scheer seconded the motion. Motion carried.

The Boy Scouts have submitted their annual request for use of the church for their meetings. The request was approved with a motion from Jen Lucas; seconded by Bob Klein. Motion carried.

PASTOR'S REPORT: Rev. Bray

Rev. Bray outlined his activities for the month of October.

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Due to the informational Budget meeting following the 10:30 a.m. service on December 6th, there will not be altar communion following the second service.

MINISTER OF VISITATION REPORT: No report COMMITTEE REPORTS: Budget and Finance Committee: Dave Dickman

David reviewed the annual request for membership to the local Chamber of Commerce. Membership was approved with a motion by Jill Dickman; seconded by Pam Scheer. Motion carried.

David reviewed the updated draft of the 2016 Budget with two items being amended. Mary Holtzapple made a motion to accept the budget as amended; seconded by Lynn Schmidt. Motion carried. An informational meeting regarding the 2016 Budget will be held following the 10:30 a.m. service on December 6th. Congregation will vote on the budget and the new Consistory members after the 10:30 a.m. worship on the second Sunday of December.

Trustees: Fred Scheer

The elevette is scheduled to be fixed tomorrow, November 11th.

The new door to the Heritage Hall has been installed.

Spouting is now up on the garage next door and grass is growing. Elders: No report

Deacons: Lynda Hadley

Deacons are set up for the early services for the month of November and December.

There will be a sign up sheet at the December Consistory meeting for the two services on Christmas Eve./Communion Christian Mission and Outreach: Jill Dickman

Christian Mission and Outreach will pay for the postage for the care packages being sent out to the college students and military members.

OLD BUSINESS:

President Lori reported that Sharon Sullivan and Diane Gayer have agreed to be Elders starting in 2016; Becky Rasawehr, Billie

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Marsee and Jami Leffel have agreed to be Deacons. They do possibly have a fourth and final Deacon as well. Glenn Hadley has agreed to be a Trustee. NEW BUSINESS:

Discussion regarding where would we like to designate the Christmas Eve loose offering to go to? Bob Klein made a motion to have the offering go to the Youth Event fund; seconded by Marsha Landers. Motion carried.

There being no further regular business, the meeting adjourned at 7:43 pm with a motion by Lynn Schmidt; seconded by Jen Lucas. Respectfully submitted, Lori Scheer, 2015 Consistory President Carolyn Garrison, Administrative Assistant ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Deadline for articles, announcements, etc. for the January 2015 issue of The Communicator will be December 16th (a little earlier due to the holiday)