Rev. Daniel Busch

September 24, 2020

FORGET. There is a small plaque that I read at the start of every day as I contemplate and anticipate what will be happening EACH day. “Lord Thou knowest I shall be verie busie this day. I maye forget Thee. Donet Thou forget me.” (Written by Lord Astley during the Battle of Edgehill in 1642.) Many people these days spend much of their time just surviving. It is so sad to read that hunger in our nation is actually increasing because of loss of jobs, no money to buy food or no care/generosity from others. Same is true about needed medications are not available with lack of money to pay for them. Many businesses have laid off employees due to lower revenues because supply and demand have been disrupted. Even hugs and embraces are missed because of fear of covid begin transmitted.

     The story of Israelites’ Exodus journey is a faith story of contrasts: abundance and scarcity, hope and pessimism, confidence and despair, faithfulness and faithlessness. Moses was called to be leader, even though he wondered why. While leading the people, Moses was often frustrated with all the complaints and demands of the people. In Exodus 17:7 (CEB) we read, “Moses called the place Massah and Meribah, because the Israelites argued with and tested the Lord, asking, ‘Is the Lord really with us or not?’” Like Lord Astley, the Israelites did FORGET the promise that God was with them always, even when they FORGOT God.

     Being “verie busie this day” often misses the wonders of God’s creation, the gift of life itself, the blessings of relationships with others. All the “isms” that cause systems of neglect and class distinctions have no power over us or God’s creation. Let us not be “verie busie” and FORGET the source from whom all blessings flow. We have strength to live each day and moment with the assurance that God is the constant in our lives. BLESSINGS ALWAYS.

Printable form

First Congregational United Church of Christ, Berlin Heights will celebrate with Rev. Casey Cain, her ministry as she prepares to retire. Her last Sunday will be September 27th with worship beginning at 10:00 am.

Rev. Katie Jackson was Ordained on Sunday, September 13th at St. Paul UCC, New Bremen. Pictured with Rev. Jackson (center); Mr. Jim Huckemeyer, Church and Ministry Team Representative; Rev. Daniel Busch, Association Minister; Rev. Rebecca Erb Strang, Sr. Pastor St. Paul UCC-New Bremen; Pastor Dee Schroer, Associate Pastor St. Paul UCC-New Bremen. To view the service, visit St. Paul UCC, New Bremen

Sept. 27 - Attending the Farewell at First Congl. UCC, Berlin Heights 10:00 am

During these unusual times, the eight Excellence in Ministry Groups in our Northwest Ohio Association have been particularly helpful to members. Participants have shared problems and solutions related to the pandemic and provided meaningful personal support. Most have opted to continue to meet throughout the summer. New members are always welcome but fall is an ideal time to join a group. For more information... and ways to join... see form HERE

Food Pantries are a necessity during this time of the Coronavirus – Covid 19 epidemic. To assist those Northwest Ohio Association (NWOA) Churches who support Our Churches Wider Mission (OCWM), a $200 grant is available by request, to those who host a food pantry or are affiliated with a community food pantry. Complete this form to apply.

Saturday, October 10 4:30 - 6:30 pm

Drive-Thru or Carry out $9.00 ea

Pork Tenderloin, Mashed Potatoes & Gravy, Green Beans, Roll

Reserve your ticket by October 7th by calling 419-981-5808

Sycamore UCC found stored away, a box of bulletins which are no longer being used for worship. The bulletins are 8 1/2 x 11 size with print on the front cover. If you are interested please contact the church at 419-927-9707 or by emailing sycamoreucc@bright.net.

250 - Hearts Wide Open

200 - Wedding - Our Love

37 - Easter - Rejoice

60 - Ash Wednesday

500 or so - I am the Resurrection and the Life

150 - UCC

200, 22, 140 (3 types) Funeral

75 - Christmas Joy

45 - Remember Me

Church Remittance Form - use this form when sending donations to/through the Association office.

Class Brochure (available later date)

Ohio Council of ChurchesRegister

Rev. David Long-Higgins (Click Here)

Rev. David Plant (Click Here)

Jill Frey (Click Here)

The work of dismantling racism is a long urgency. We need each other in this vitally important work. Whether you are involved in this work in some way already or want to be involved, your presence and passion matter.  An anti-racism network is forming for inspiration, education, empowerment, and engagement as God leads us in the building of the Beloved Community. If you are interested in getting connected, let Rev. Dave Long-Higgins know by emailing him at dave@heartlanducc.org.  

Weekly Zoom Discussion - Thursday

This event will be streamed via Facebook live at https://www.facebook.com/HeartlandConferenceUCC/

The Parish Paper is a resource to which the Heartland Conference has subscribed on behalf of all Heartland Conference churches. Each issue stands alone as a topic of interest and importance to being a living and growing congregation.