"The Vine"
An email update.... Keeping Us Connected in Christ"
This newsletter is brought to you by your OCWM Contributions
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Your generous gift makes our ministry possible |
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Office closed Thursday, November 26 - 29 for Thanksgiving
Next "Vine" December 3
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"Blessings Always"
Rev. Daniel L. Busch
Association Minister Message
November 18, 2020
THANKS-LIVING. “Enter God’s gates with thanks; enter God’s courtyard with praise! Thank God. Bless God’s name! Because the Lord is good, God’s loyal love lasts forever; God’s faithfulness lasts generation after generation.” (Psalm 100:4-5) This month we celebrate Thanksgiving Day. This year’s celebration will be very, very different for many because of COVID. I have fond memories of my mother’s family getting together on Thanksgiving that was fun, loud, lots and lots of food, my cousins and I running all over the place—even if there was snow, and conversations that had uncles in one room, aunts in another, and the cousins usually outside. It seemed as if the meal was continuous all day. There was always a baked stuffed fresh (large) turkey and either a large ham or beef roast, mashed potatoes made from scratch with cream and butter, vegetables, my mother’s dill pickles and red beets, other trimmings and many homemade desserts. What a day! I am so thankful for the memories.
What kind of traditions do you have? Will it be possible to do the traditions or even getting families/groups to celebrate together this year? Thanksgiving cannot and should not be limited to one day. There is a sense that we live in a time of entitlement, give-me, self-centeredness isolation, and selfishness. The earlier biblical narrative we have accepted and expressed is that we have “dominion” over the creation which has led to consumption and destruction of resources for our own personal use. Domination does imply power, control or authority. However, to have dominion is to have responsibility and care for what is shared with us from a generous and caring God. As the psalmist declares, “Thank God” for all that we have and God holds us accountable and responsible on how we use those gifts.
Thanksgiving (giving thanks) and THANKS-LIVING (living thanks) are inseparable. How we live our lives is a reflection of thanksgiving we have for God, the world, others and even ourselves. A life of thanks is appreciative for every moment of life. Everything really is entrusted to us; we cannot take it with us at the end. Erma Bombeck, an American humorist, author, and columnist, wrote about her suburban life. She died in 1996, and is remembered for her wit, insights and quirkiness even when she was dealing with devastating personal health issues. She wrote, “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.’” When we finally understand that we do not own anything, thanks-giving becomes THANKS-LIVING! Life and living have meaning and purpose as they are gifts from 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
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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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Lay School of Religion
The Northwest Ohio Association of the United Church of Christ and the Lay School Board offer classes to expand knowledge about the Christian faith to those folks in congregations who are actively involved in the life of the church.
Next Class:
Beginning: January 19, 2021
Instructor: Rev. Mark Bishop
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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.
Rev. Darrin Harvey, member of the Witness & Proclamation M
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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
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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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From Bryce Harbaugh, Board Chair
Hi Everyone,
What a great feat we accomplished yesterday! Taking a monster surprise blessing from our Creator God, mobilizing our extended team of community servants and bestowing it on an estimated 500 individual families in Grace's service area...all in the space of 5 days...with the direct showering of those blessings all happening in a single day.
1372 boxes of healthy food (fruit vegetables and meat) and nearly 600 gallons of milk, a semi load, sent from a major food bank in Detroit, forklifted on pallets from the semi, staged curbside at 406 W. Delaware, handed to carloads of families lined up from Graces driveway all the way to East Fulton St. and flowing continuously from 10:00 to Noon...all while morning traffic wheeled back and forth on the street: that was the a.m. scene.
In the afternoon, the flow of cars slowed somewhat and could be diverted from the street to a distribution point set up in the Center's parking lot...but it continued all the way to 4:30. Mission accomplished!....by a wonderfully vigorous crew of GCC staff, Board & Board, Committee members (many from Sylvania and Park UCC churches), volunteers and family members attached to all those groups.
Thank you all for a great effort...and please watch Judy Harbaugh's cell phone video of the 13abcActionNews coverage of the whole affair. It's less than 5 minutes, and being composed of pictures tells the story a lot better than I can with these words.
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Chaplain at Parkvue Community, Sandusky - Full Time Opening
United Church Homes, Inc. is seeking a Chaplain to join our team! This position is responsible for providing a program of spiritual care and worship for residents and the community at assigned United Church Homes (UCH) facilities; and providing public and church relations activities in support of the community's goals. The Chaplain models pastoral competencies in accordance with United Church of Christ and The Association of Clinical Pastoral Education professional standards.
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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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Women's Table of the
United Church of Christ - Survey
Greetings!
Thank you for taking the time to complete this survey prepared by the Women’s Table of the United Church of Christ. It is intended to gather information from women in the UCC about the issues and concerns you most care about, are engaged with, and for which your faithful responses make a difference in the world around us. We are grateful for the staff of the UCC’s Center for Analytics, Research & Development, and Data (CARDD) who will conduct the survey.
What is the Women’s Table, you ask? Good question! Since January 2019, a group of women convened by the Rev. Traci Blackmon has been meeting to discuss how the UCC can address and advocate effectively for gender justice and the issues that impact women’s lives. In the past several years, due to the need to maintain fiscal sustainability, the National Setting has reduced staff in many areas of ministry once vibrant in our collective lives. Distinct attention to women’s ministry and gender justice is gone.
Yet as you know, the struggle for justice continues in all settings of our church and we recognize and give thanks for all the work you continue to do to make our world a better place for us all.
We are not yet certain of the future of the Women’s Table but we are cognizant that as a denomination which has provided a great deal of leadership and advocacy on gender justice and for women in ministry within ecumenical and interfaith partnerships, that we need to find ways to remain visibly engaged, accessible, and resourceful on these matters. This survey, sent out to a diverse cross-section of women in the UCC, is designed to help inform next steps. What is on your minds and hearts matters to us.
Again, we cannot thank you enough for taking the time to offer your feedback. We look forward to hearing from you and to reporting our findings. Your responses will be strictly confidential and anonymous. It will take approximately 10 minutes to complete the survey. Please have your responses included by Friday, December 11, at 11:59 pm EDT.
This survey is also available in Spanish online. In the right-hand corner of the survey change the language from English to Spanish. Esta encuesta también está disponible en español en línea. En la esquina derecha de la encuesta, cambie el idioma de inglés a español.
Grace and peace to you!
Members of the Women’s Table:
Rev. Heather Archovitch, Ms. Barbara Baylor, Rev. Traci Blackmon, Rev. Amy Butler, Rev. Jessica Chancey, Ms. Rachel Chapman, Ms. Gabrielle Claiborne, Rev. Davida Foy Crabtree,
Rev. Ginny Brown Daniel, Rev. Sharon Ellis Davis, Rev. Caroline Dean, Rev. Yvonne Delk,
Rev. Yvette Flunder, Rev. Amy Gopp, Ms. Edith Guffey, Rev. M. Linda Jaramillo,
Ms. Brenda Joyner (Consultant), Rev. Loey Powell, Ms. Yesenia Menéndez Sánchez,
Rev. Karen Georgia Thompson
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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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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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