NEWSLETTER

ST. PAUL’S EVANGELICAL & REFORMED CHURCH

500 N. Downing St., Piqua 937-773-5151

e-mail: stpaulspiqua@sbcglobal.net website: www.stpaulspiqua.com

December 2011

Pastor's Paragraph

Can you believe it is December already? It amazes me how fast time moves on these days. Crystal told me that is what happens as we get older, then getting her digs in, responding time goes very slow for her. I think she is begging for a lump of coal under the tree with her name on it! But the exciting news this month centers on the five dedications and the six new members we are adding to St Paul's great community of faith. It is very exiting that four other persons have inquired to me about becoming members of St Paul's in January! I envision that very soon we will be experiencing new members, baptisms and dedications each and every month as St Paul's loosens herself from her moorings and begins sailing in the waters of continual church growth. I promise to work very hard to make St Paul's a healthy and vibrant growing fellowship of believers.

One key emphasis you will hear from me in 2012 is that "to grow larger, we must grow smaller"! What do I mean by that? In the DNA that God created you earthly body He blueprinted our growth through macro systems, muscles and bone. The big body parts we can see. But God also knew to grow larger, we need to grow smaller and He developed micro systems of the cell. Churches also need both. Cells or small groups are essential for a healthy church to grow on the visible macro scale. We will be examining in 2012 the key that made St Paul's a very strong church from its inception to her glory days-small groups.I hope you will help me lay the groundwork in 2012 for St Paul's greatest days yet that lay in her future! Have a great month!

 Privileged to serve Him!

 Keith Gebhart

St. Paul’s Homemade Chicken and Noodle Dinner

Family and friends gathered at St Paul's on Saturday November 12, 2011 to enjoy fellowship and a wonderfull chicken noodle dinner. Friendship Circle offered a wide selection of bakery goodies to complement the meal. We are all looking forward to the Steak Supper, slated for March 2012.

Many thanks to all who made the Chicken Noodle Dinner a great success!

Friendship Circle Christmas Celebration

On December 6, 2011 members of St. Paul's Friendship Circle met at Janice Birman's home for their annual Christmas party. A gift exchange of Christmas ornaments between members followed the regular business meeting.  We share prayers, music, wonderful holiday treats and fellowship. Hostesses for December's meeting were Janice Birman, Stephanie Streib,  and Martha Lyons. There is no meeting scheduled for January. The next meeting will be Tuesday February the 7th, 2012.

Friendship Circle is open to all ladies of St. Pauls Church

Tribute to Cpl. Samuel F. Pearson

September 18, 1997

October 10, 2007 

On Sunday, October 9, 2011 family and friends gathered at St Paul’s Church in remembrance of

Cpl. Samuel F. Pearson, who lost his life in service to his country.   

To honor his memory a flagpole and plaque was placed at the corner of Greene and Downing Streets. In addition new landscaping enhances the memorial.  

Those who filled the sanctuary enjoyed beautiful music provided by the Piqua High School Concert Choir directed by Tom Westfall, and St. Paul’s Choir.  Marilyn Carey sang the Lord’s Prayer and Pastor Keith Gephart delivered an uplifting message. 

Randi Pearson, Cpl Samuel Pearson’s father, thanked everyone on behalf of his family. The Pearsons ask that we keep all the brave men and woman who protect our country in our daily prayers.