OPEN AND AFFIRMING DISCUSSIONS: All members and friends of St. Paul's United Church of Christ are invited to participate in the next phase of the Open and Affirming process. Following the 10:45 service on May 18 and June 8 the latest draft of the Open and Affirming statement will be available for congregational review and discussion. The statement, which will ultimately be the focal point of our congregational decision about Open and Affirming status, has emerged out of previous study and discussion. It is open for revision based on comments and feedback, and it will likely be brought to final form over the next several weeks. Please be part of this next phase of the process.

SACRED CONVERSATION ON RACE: In the wake of recent national press coverage, the United Church of Christ is recommending that all settings of the denomination engage in what is being called a "Sacred Conversation on Race." Such a conversation, of course, is not a one-day event but an ongoing process. Nonetheless, on May 18, the Adult Education session (9:15-10:15a.m. in Fellowship Hall) and both Sunday worship services (8:30 and 10:45a.m.) will be dedicated to exploring race and related issues as they impact our life together. Please make plans to attend and participate.

ST. PAUL'S ANNUAL CONGREGATIONAL MEETING: June 1 after the 10:45a.m. service. We will be approving the Fiscal 2009 budget, voting on nominations for the offices of Deacons and Elders, hearing committee and task force reports. The Middle School class and our delegates to the National Youth Event will prepare lunch for the Annual Meeting. All donations for the lunch will help defray the cost of the National Youth Event.

GRADUATES: We want to honor our high school and college graduates, June 8th so help us by contacting the church office with your details (or fill out the form that was in April and May Highlights): Where? - After High School plans - College/University Degrees - Future Plans.

TABLES AND CHAIRS PROJECT: The Ministry for Facilities, the Memorial Committee, and the UCCommUNITY Team are joining together to purchase new tables and chairs for Fellowship Hall. The tables will cost $110 each and the chairs are $30 each. Our plan is to purchase 18 tables and 120 chairs. Members of the congregation who would like to contribute to the cost, may send a check to Kris in the church office. Please make the check payable to St. Paul's UCC, identify as the Tables and Chairs Project, and how many of each you are planning to buy. The deadline is June 30, 2008. Our goal is to order the tables and chairs in early July so that they will be available when we return for the new church year in September.

BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION: On Friday, June 6 at 12N we are having a birthday celebration for our members who are 90+ years young! Please plan to attend and join in on the celebration! Lunch and birthday cake will be served. Call Kris in the church office if you are planning to attend.

NEW MEMBERS will be received on Sunday, May 18. Please speak with Pastor Marty or call Kris in the church office for more information.