This newsletter is brought to you by your OCWM contributions.
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"Churches, even small ones, need to overhaul how they look at giving. And they need to make the 'money talk' a natural part of the culture instead of just once a year stewardship drives. It's a sensitive topic. There is a general thought that it is taboo to talk about religion, money or politics, and in the stewardship talk you are talking about two of those things at the same time. But we must ask members if they are part of a life-changing organization or not. And if they are, then we need to make the case for regular support." -Rev. David Norman, Pastor of Cornerstone Wesleyan Church in Heuvelton, NY; Consultant to churches
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Roast Beef Dinner
St John's UCC (204 Leonard St, South Amherst) will host its spring Roast Beef Dinner on Saturday, April 29 from 4-6PM. If you want a delicious beef dinner served family style as well as good fellowship, then you are welcome to join in. Cost is $13 for adults and $5 for kids 12 and under. Reserve tickets in advance at 440-282-4310. The menu includes roast beef, mashed potatoes and gravy, candied carrots, cole slaw, rolls, beverage and dessert.
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The T in LGBT
Plymouth Church (2860 Coventry Rd, Shaker Heights) is sponsoring
The T in LGBT on Sunday, April 30 from noon to 1:30PM. The workshop, led by Rev. Ruth Garwood, provides information and resources to interpret current events and to encourage congregations to enlarge their welcome to people of all gender identities. Topics include how gender identity and sexual orientation differ, the transgender umbrella, and ways to advocate for the transgender community. This experiential workshop invites personal and community reflection on gender and transgender issues through discussion and storytelling.
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Rummage Sale
Grace UCC of Loyal Oak will hold its annual Rummage Sale
on Saturday, May 6, from 9AM to 1PM in Fellowship Hall.
Items will include books, children's toys and games, household items, glassware, antiques and much more. Come and join in a fun time browsing and making new friends.
Download the Flier
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Sharing a Welcoming Gospel
Sharing a Welcoming Gospel will be held at
First Congregational UCC (292 E Market St, Akron) on
Saturday, May 13 from
9AM-3PM and is for non-ONA congregations in Summit, Portage, Medina, Stark, Wayne and Tuscarawas counties. It will be presented by Andy Lang, executive director of the UCC Open and Affirming Coalition and by Alex Shanks, faith organizer of Equality Ohio. The session will include worship, group discussion, breakout discussions, presentation of information about LGBTQ people and community issues, and how to present information on improving welcome to congregation members. The cost is only $5 per person and includes lunch.
Register by May 11
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Healthy Practices for Ministry
All authorized ministers are invited to
Healthy Practices for Ministry: Leading with Your Strength on
Wednesday, May 17 at
The Bath Church (3980 W Bath Rd, Akron). Come and explore ways to use your strengths for effective ministry. Dr. Joyce Giovanelli will facilitate. The event is only $35...free for retired pastors. Lunch is optional and is $10. All commissioned, licensed and ordained persons are required to attend Healthy Practices once every three years to maintain standing. Retired ministers who are no longer engaged in active ministry (pulpit supply, sacraments, weddings/funerals, etc.) are exempt.
Learn More & Register by May 3
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Pilgrim Hills Documentary
The Ohio Conference and Affirm Camp have partnered with a team of filmmakers from Trinity UCC in Canton to produce a documentary centered on the last summer at Pilgrim Hills. The film will capture the last summer from a variety of perspectives while telling the history of Pilgrim Hills as well. Affirm Camp is leading a fundraising effort to secure $12,000 needed for this project. They have already secured $2,500 in pledges. Help capture the essence of Pilgrim Hills through the history, beauty, laughter, singing and memories of so many.
Read More
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Open Positions
First Congregational UCC (North Ridgeville) seeks a choir director. The position is 3 hours weekly directing the non-professional church choir and playing the organ/piano during services while the choir sings. Two hours of rehearsal and directing the choir, 1 hour of performance/directing during church service with the choir, and coordinating music selection with Pastor Arik Borstad. The successful candidate should be able to incorporate all types and genres of music into the services along with incorporating the musical talents of the congregation's members; i.e. flute, trumpet, drums, etc. Please email
Diana Goode with resume or questions or call 440-327-2921.
Local growth-focused congregation is searching for a Faith Formation Coordinator (FFC) to work 20 hours per week. Successful candidate will work with the Faith Formation Committee to provide and promote a wide range of Faith Formation opportunities for all ages with the goal of making disciples. FFC will plan curriculum, promote bible-based learning opportunities, recruit and train teachers and helpers and cooperatively plan and follow an itemized budget. Resumes with cover letter should be emailed to
Carol Wood. See
detailed job description and wage information.
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Ordinations & Installations
Installation of Mark Pemberton
May 7 ♦ 10:30AM
Clague Road UCC
3650 Clague Rd ♦ North Olmsted
Jim Nolan: Recognition of Interim Service
May 21 ♦ 10:30AM
Trinity UCC ♦ 215 High St ♦ Wadsworth
Ordination of Nancy Lueschen
May 27 ♦ 2PM
Trinity UCC ♦ 150 E North St ♦ Wooster
Installation of Janet Ross
June 25 ♦ 10AM
Amistad Chapel ♦ 700 Prospect Ave E ♦ Cleveland
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Association Ministers' Schedules
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Here's where your Association Ministers will be the next few Sundays.
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Rev. Dr. Rita Root
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April 30
10AM
South Haven UCC ♦ 415 Northfield Rd ♦ Bedford
3PM
Spring Clergy Retreat
Loyola Retreat Center ♦ 700 Killinger Rd ♦ Clinton
May 7
10:30AM
Mark Pemberton Installation
Clague Road UCC ♦ 3650 Clague Rd ♦ North Olmsted
May 21
10:30AM
Jim Nolan Recognition of Interim Service
Trinity UCC ♦ 215 High St ♦ Wadsworth
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Rev. Dr. Bonnie Bates
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April 30
Lombard Mennonite Center
May 7
10:30AM
South Haven UCC ♦ 415 Northfield Rd ♦ Bedford
May 21
10AM
Grace UCC ♦ 2300 Cleveland Ave NW ♦ Canton
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Your Associations' Staff
Bonnie Bates ♦ Associations Associate for Congregational Vitality & Development
Don Hill ♦ Financial Development Consultant
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Submission Guidelines
If you'd like to share information about an upcoming or past event sponsored or co-sponsored by a church in our Associations, please send your article of 100 words or less in paragraph format to
[email protected] by Tuesday noon of each week. Be extravagantly welcoming by including in the article the name, location, address, date, time and contact information of the event. Items will run for two consecutive weeks. Fliers may be sent in addition to the 100 word article and a link will be provided in the article to the flier. Fliers should be less than 5MB and in Word or PDF format. Photos (which display next to your article) may be sent in addition to the article. Photos should be less than 5MB and in JPG or PNG format.
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