"The Vine"
An email update.... Keeping Us Connected in Christ"
This newsletter is brought to you by your OCWM Contributions
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"Blessings Always"
Rev. Daniel L. Busch
Association Minister Message
November 11, 2020
ACCOUNTABLE. “Now after a long time the master of those servants returned and settled accounts with them.” Matthew 25:19. Faith learners have been taught that parables are stories with depths of meaning. Jesus used parables to expand understanding of relationships with God, others, and one’s own personal life. In Matthew 25, the parables are more than about oil, money or the separation of animals. For a captive people, to have such things would seem extravagant and not easily attainable. Do we really “own or possess” anything? God entrusts to us everything to do something good with it. But there is also a justice issue about how we have gotten those possessions. Do we have them by taking advantage of the environment, the marketing system or labor force? Do we receive them with gratitude and thankfulness? Do we waste or destroy God’s creation for our own advantage? Are our actions responsible? Do they make a difference and make the world as God would intend it to be?
In Matthew 25 there are three parables that seem to be about justice and consequences. Matthew’s parables give us a picture of Jesus’ encounters with skeptics, doubters and antagonists who were struggling with life as captives of the Romans Empire. Many people understood God as distant, angry and punishing. In the parable of the talents, the master was going on a trip and “entrusted” his possessions to his servants. Another translations states he “handed his possessions over to them.” There seems to be some expectations that the servants were trustworthy and had the ability to be caretakers of the master’s possessions. When the master returned, he began the process of wanting an ACCOUNTING of what was done with “his” possessions. Three of the four reported that what was entrusted to them doubled. The fourth buried his in the ground and the master called him lazy for not even thinking of turning the money to bankers to at least get some interest. They all were held ACCOUNTABLE for their actions.
Erma Bombeck was an American humorist, writing a syndicated humor newspaper column and books describing her adventures of her suburban home life. Before she died in 1995, she offered some wise and perceptive advice: “When I stand before God at the end of my life, I would hope that I would not have a single bit of talent left, and could say, ‘I used everything you gave me.’” ACCOUNTABLE. Paul writes in his first letter to the Thessalonians, “So continue encouraging each other and building each other up, just like you are doing already.” (5:11) Thanks be to God. BLESSINGS ALWAYS.
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Prayer Concerns/Request
Continuing prayer for : Keith Huizenga, Rev. Joy Skeel, Rev. Steve Voelker, John Cox (husband of Rev. Kay Mooney Cox), Rev. Diane Christopherson, Rev. Don Corbin, Rev. John Miller, Pastor Dee Schroer, Rev. Bob Bottoms, Pastor Amy Kinney, Rev. Jeanette Tangeman, Pastor Bill Kerr
Please keep the following in your prayers....
Mr. Bruce Williamson, father of Rev. Doug Williamson, First UCC-Marblehead passed away on November 6, 2020. Sympathy and Love to Doug, Karen and the Williamson family. Obituary available with the Alderson-Ford Funeral Home, Cheshire, CT.
Mr. Ray Costello, husband of Rev. Catherine Costello, passed away on November 5, 2020. Rev. Catherine was the former pastor at St. Paul's UCC, Rockford. Sympathy and Love to Catherine and family. Obituary available with Carolina Cremation of Salisbury
Father of Rev. Sam Buehrer, William Buehrer passed away on October 10, 2020 in Archbold, OH. Caring Thoughts and Prayers to the Sam and Ellen Buehrer family.
Rev. Scott Johnson has asked for prayers for his daughter who is having health issues.
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Travel with Rev. Daniel Busch, Association Minister
Nov. 15 - Preaching Spencerville UCC, Spencerville
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From the Association Treasurer, Larry Clausing
October 15, 2020
Dear NWOA Family,
What a different year 2020 has been, so many disturbing things happening. They seem to hit you daily and can seem frustrating. There is, however, one constant in our lives. That is our Christian faith. God is still speaking and he is still hearing our prayers. You can rely on his love to keep you going. As churches of NWOA you have been faithfully sending in the OCWM offering. Even with the virus and churches closed, you have continued to support the missions of your Northwest Ohio Association.
For this you deserve a big THANK YOU. Yes, giving is down, but we also have less expenses. The office remains open with limited access, and Dan, Joan, and Deb have made sure that all your needs are being met. They have gone out of their way to help us. They continue to do God’s work. Call the office if you have a question.
As of the end of September, we have received 50% of the anticipated OCWM budget of $305,000 for 2020. This is $17,000 down from 2019. In a comparison of income vs. expenses for this year, we are in the red $32,198 as of the end of September. What has helped us is the Federal PPP Loan of $33,853 that we received. As of now, this is a loan and we will need to pay it back when requested. We are hoping that this will be forgiven. That would be a great help. I prayerfully encourage you and your church to help us reach our 2020 OCWM stewardship goal. If all churches pitch in, the goal can be reached.
Whether you are the pastor or a member of your church, please remind your treasurer to send in the 2020 OCWM dollars to the NWOA office by the cutoff date of January 8, 2021. Please date your year-end checks with a 2020 date.
Yours in prayer, Larry Clausing, Treasurer
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OCWM GIVING
(Our Church's Wider Mission)
2020 OCWM Giving Goal - $305,000
2020 Giving through Oct.. - $171,466
2020 donation deadline is January 8, 2021
Please see all 2020 donations are dated December 31, 2020 if sent between December 31st and January 8.
All donations after January 8 will be considered 2021 donations.
Church Remittance Form
(use this form when sending donations
to/through the Association Office)
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Stewardship and Caring Ministry Team
In this time of disruption of our ordinary ways of doing Stewardship there are some "tried and true, does and don'ts" for any time. Enjoy the following submission by Rev. Wayne Chasney from our Congregational Community UCC, Monroeville church on the art of recognizing faithful giving through letter writing. Enjoy its guidance for an often neglected practice. If you have a submission you think valuable to share please send it to Joan and we will work it into the "communication" schedule. Be Blessed, Be a Blessing.
Rev. David Plant, chair
"How NOT To Say Thank You."
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El Salvador News
HURRICANE ETA STRIKES EL SALVADOR
On October 30, 2020, fifteen people were killed and 35 were missing when torrential rains triggered a mud slide at 2:00 a.m. that hit the village of Los Angelitos in the municipality of Nejapa to the north of the capital, San Salvador. This is located close to Fe Y Esperanza, the refugee center owned and operated by the Lutheran Synod during their country’s civil war. Fe Y Esperanza has been visited by many who went on mission trips from our Northwest Ohio Region.
These people are now in dire need of food, clothing, and housing. Over 50 homes were destroyed. The Lutheran Church in San Salvador is trying to provide assistance to these people. The land that they inhabit on the side of a volcano is steep and a dangerous place to live but because of their poverty, they have no other choice as to where they live.
If you would like to help out with providing for their needs, please send donations to the Northwest Ohio Association. Our Association is in a partnership relationship with them. Prayers are also needed.
Thank you, John and Joyce Gilberg jjgilberg@nktelco.net
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Witness and Proclamation Ministry Team
Back Bay Mission Report from the Witness and Proclamation Team
Like with many ministries around the country, Back Bay Mission has had to make major adjustments due to the Covid-19 pandemic. After a shut down in the spring, Back Bay resumed services in early June. Policy changes went into effect that includes social distancing and mask wearing for all staff and guests. The Client Choice Food Pantry and Micah Day Center for the homeless are open and serving those in need. Housing Rehabilitation is allowing campers to return to Back Bay with policies in place to ensure that it is a safe environment for all participants.
Many people in Northwest Ohio will remember Terry Tangeman who passed away in August. Terry was a long-term volunteer construction site supervisor at Back Bay Mission following Katrina for 13 years constructing and rehabbing homes. The Back Bay community mourns his loss along with his family.
Executive Director Alice Graham expressed appreciation for the resiliency of the BBM staff who negotiated through the Covid-19 uncertainties. She also reports that two staff members have taken implicit bias training.
Back Bay Mission has been a close mission partner for our association and your support for them is much appreciated. Please pray for their mission and ministry, their staff and that God may continue to bless them as they do vitally important work for the Biloxi community and beyond.
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See what other NWOA congregations are offering in the way of Sunday Worship.
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Youth Leader Opening
St. Paul's United Church of Christ, St. Marys is seeking an energetic, organized and creative youth leader. Candidate must have excellent communication skills and be able to work with all age ranges of our congregation, with a focus on Senior High youth and school age children.
Person should be a lay member of the United Church of Christ or a person with like beliefs of the United Church of Christ. Position is part-time.
Send resumes to: St. Paul's United Church of Christ, Attn: Pastor Rhonda Hainer, 201 N. Perry Street, St. Marys OH 45885. Applications can also be picked up at this address.
First UCC, Marblehead News
We have some good news! Our roof is finally done. The bell tower was completed over the weekend and it was quite a sight. I have included a "before" and "after" picture. Other repairs, ceiling leak, parsonage driveway, furnace repairs are being worked on before the winter season.
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Food Pantry Grant - 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.
Funding for this grant will come from the NWOA Disaster Gifts Fund given by many Northwest Ohio Association Churches during any given time.
*Please provide a written letter from the Local Church Leaders stating information you think is relevant to your request and will make your application stronger.
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Supply Minister Opening
The Parkvue Community, Sandusky is looking for a Supply Minister beginning November 22, 2020. For more information, please contact Mr. Dan Miller, Senior Executive Director.
phone: 419.621.1900
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Weekly Facebook Live Discussion
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Reports from the following:
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Heartland Conference
is on the move.....
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Parish Paper
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.
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#GIVINGTUESDAY
Dec. 1, 2020
Kids living in our residential units don't often enter our programs with all the clothing and supplies they need. Many times we accept kids into our Emergency Mental Health Shelter who have nothing except the clothes they have on. This is where Crossroad Closet comes in!
Crossroad Closet is our supply of clothing, hygiene items, books, journals, and many other necessary items to help our kids succeed. With your support this #GivingTuesday, we can make sure we have all the items we need to accommodate the diverse population we have on our campus.
Our goal this year is to raise $1,500 for Crossroad Closet,
and every donation big or small helps!
Mark your calendars for #GivingTuesday, and please consider making a contribution if you are able. You can also visit our website to learn more about our campaign!
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UCC Congregations for Mental Health
Mental health conditions are common everywhere, including in our churches. People are dealing with a variety of mental health and substance use challenges every day. Due to stigma, many people may be reluctant to either seek professional help or to speak about it with their pastor or other members of their church. But we want to create a place of belonging, where all people…including those with mental health challenges…are welcome, no matter where they are on life’s journey.
Congregations are invited to explore becoming WISE: Welcoming, Inclusive, Supportive, and Engaged for Mental Health by attending the WISE Congregations for Mental Health Fall 2020 Webinar.
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Letter from the Council of Conference Ministers
Dear Members of the United Church of Christ:
Grace and peace to you in the name of our Savior Jesus Christ.
In August the National Setting of the UCC committed to hire a consulting firm to lead them through “an objective racial equity assessment” to hold the national setting of the church accountable to the ideals the church has espoused regarding racial equality and inclusion.
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Meet the General Synod Working Group
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How will the United Church of Christ National Setting program a virtual General Synod with moving worship, interesting workshops, educational intensives, church business, youth programming and service projects? There are working groups for that.
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Get Involved in General Synod
People who want to submit nominations for moderator and assistant moderator of the General Synod of the United Church of Christ now have an added month to do so. The nomination deadline for those two leadership positions has been extended to Saturday, Oct. 31.
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Relive the Excitement
Relive the excitement of General Synod 32 in Milwaukee! We are looking forward to a virtual - but every bit as exciting - General Synod 33 next July!
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Proclaim God's Word in Worship and Worshipful Ways
Strength our Witness to the Gospel in the World
Discern God's Will for Faithful and Effective Ministry
Manifest Faithful, Wise and Responsible Stewardship of all God's Gifts
Demonstrate Care, Compassion, Forgiveness and Accountability to and for One Another
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Stay Connected
Rev. Daniel Busch, Association Minister
cell: 419-934-5386 email: dlbusch@nwoa.org
Joan Davidson, Office Manager/Search Coordinator email: joan@nwoa.org
Deb Long, Bookkeeper
email deb@nwoa.org
OFFICE PHONE 419-447-8323
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