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
October 26, 2022
REFORM. RE-FORM. REFORMATION. Jesus said, “Zacchaeus, hurry and come down; for I must stay at your house today.” (John 19: 5). This coming Sunday is Reformation Sunday. Reformation Sunday (Day) has often been thought of as being free from tyrannical unspiritual forces. REFORMATION is an act of taking what is and improving it to live life filled with God’s amazing grace. It is being RE-FORMED persons as God intends us to be. It is looking at life with God’s vision of meaning and purpose.
The story of Zacchaeus is a familiar story of REFORMATION. He is a tax collector, despised by his fellow countrypersons because he took taxes from them and gave the money to the conquering Romans. In addition to the taxes, a tax collector could collect additional fees from those being taxed for his own personal financial enrichment. Luke writes that Zacchaeus was “rich” and “short in stature.” He had to climb up a sycamore tree so that he could see Jesus. Curiosity soon brought about change in his life. Meeting Jesus became a REFORMATION moment in his life that transformed his outlook on life. “Look, half of my possessions, Lord, I will give to the poor; and if I have defrauded anyone of anything, I will pay back four times as much.” Greed became generosity. Jesus said, “Salvation has come to this house” and reminded Zacchaeus of his place in the faith community (“he too is a son of Abraham”).
REFORMATION has happened since the beginning of humanity, for even our described first parents Adam and Eve were RE-FORMED as God’s created ones. Throughout history societies have been RE-FORMED and have become societies of peace and justice. However, we also are aware of evil’s power to destroy and manipulate the good in us. Words from a prayer declare, “As fear grips our country, let us choose love.” It is love’s power that can REFORM hatred into care and compassion. As followers of Jesus Christ, we are called to change our ways by the working of the God’s Spirit in us, RE-FORMED into the image of Christ as persons of love through us in word and deed. Never forget that we are part of God’s family, accepted by God, RE-FORMED through God’s unconditional love and forgiveness. REFORMATION is in every moment of life. BLESSINGS ALWAYS.
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Travel with Rev. Daniel Busch, Association Minister |
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Oct 30 - Preaching at St. John's UCC, Elmore Commission Anniv. Celebration
Nov 6 - Preaching at Park Congregational UCC, Toledo 10:00 am Ordin Anniv. Celebration
Nov 13 - Preaching at Sylvania UCC 10:00 am Ordination Anniversary Celebration
Nov 20 - Preaching at Emmanuel UCC, Upper Sandusky 10:00 am
Dec 6 to 9 - Attending National Event "AM 2022" Atlanta, GA
Dec 18 - Attending Farewell at Memorial UCC, Toledo
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On Sunday, October 23 Rev. Karsten Snitker was installed as pastor at Trinity UCC, Tiffin at a 3:00 pm celebration.
Pictured with Rev. Snitker (2nd from left) is Pastor Bryan Niebanck, Rev. Daniel Busch, Rev. Wendy Schindler-Chasney, Rev. Wayne Chasney and Rev. Paul Stark
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Ordination Anniversary Celebrations
Sunday, November 6 - Park Congregational UCC-Toledo honoring Rev. Ed Heilman (35th Anniversary)
Sunday, November 13 - Sylvania UCC-Sylvania honoring Rev. Joycelyn Degener (25th Anniversary)
Commission Anniversary Celebration
Sunday, October 30 - St. John's UCC-Elmore honoring Pastor Margaret Mills (43rd Anniversary)
Farewell
Sunday, December 18 - Memorial UCC-Toledo honoring Rev. David Plant
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Prayer Concerns/Request
Continuing prayer for: Dee Schroer, Pastor Bill Kerr, Pastor Tom Kagy, Rev. Marty Stiffler, Rev. Daniel Johnson, Rev. Bob Jencks, Rev. Jim Garner, Rev. Don Giesmann, Rev. Steve Voelker, Audrey Trimble
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Tropical Storm "Julia" hit El Salvador
NEWS from Bishop Gomez
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The climatic phenomenon Hurricane Julia, became a storm when it passed through El Salvador. The government declared a red alert, that is, the most dangerous warning, the people testify that there had never been so much water affecting the country; a large number of damaged houses, fallen trees, collapses or landslides, overflowing of rivers and streams, collapsed walls and many rescues and floods.
The authorities have reported that 436 homes were affected, 2,837 people housed, 1,580 adults, 1,952 children, 10 people deceased, 102 shelters opened by the authorities, in addition to staying with family and friends.
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Grace Community Center
honored with the
"Key of the Museum"
Award at the Toledo Museum of Art's
"Block Party,"
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The special honor "Key to the Museum," is to be given each year to the community agency or organization in Toledo that typifies the values of the museum: Diversity, Community, Innovation, & Trust. Grace is the first recipient.
This Video will take you to the powerful acceptance speech by Elaine Page, Executive Director.
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Emmanuel UCC
8375 Phillips Rd. Bluffton
Friday, November 11 4 - 7 pm
$10 per meal - Dine in or carry out
Carry out - 3 pcs of fish
cheesy potatoes, green beans, applesauce & cookie
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We are praying for those impacted by Hurricane Ian.
Want to make a Difference? Build a Bucket!
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Thank YOU for
Taking the
Bucket Challenge!
We are so close to reaching our goal of 2022 Buckets and Hygiene Kits in 2022!
Please consider putting
a few together to send to
help folks who are recovering
from devastating disasters.
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Donations needed for online auction in November. Read letter for complete information and donation suggestions. Call Jean Pratt,
419-562-3953 for more information.
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HAVE AN AUCTION BASKET TO DONATE? CALL ST. JOHN'S UCC BUCYRUS FOR HOURS OF DELIVERY BY FRIDAY, OCTOBER 28TH.
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Position Posting:
Director of Connection
and Engagement
Please send a cover letter and resumes to: Sylvania United Church of Christ, Attention: Connection and Engagement Search 7240 Erie Street, Sylvania, Ohio 43560 or emailed to Patsylvaniaucc@gmail.com
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Sylvania United Church of Christ is seeking candidates for Director of Connection and Engagement. This position helps connect internally and externally through outreach, fellowship, worship and membership. In each area of connection, opportunities are provided for in-person and digital engagement. The Director of Connection and Engagement will be an active participant in outreach, inreach, and digital communication offerings. A demonstrated passion for people, desire to creatively communicate through digital and in-person mediums, and skills to foster connections both internal and external to the congregation's life are essential to this position.
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Millennials and the Church - Video Available
This event was hosted by the Walker Leadership Institute (Eden Seminary) & the Northwest Ohio Association Lay School Board on May 16, 2022.
Presenter: Rev. Steve Lawler, Director of the Walker Leadership Institute
with a panel discussion which included millennial clergy.
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THANK YOU
FOR YOUR CONTRIBUTIONS
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2022 OCWM Giving Goal - $280,000
(Goal approved at the 59th Annual Meeting)
2022 Giving through the month of September - $172,181
CHURCH TREASURER
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***From the NWOA Stewardship and Generosity
Ministry Team
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Your Stewardship and Generosity Team is gathering stories of the many ways that churches make real their practices of Stewardship and Generosity. Today's new article is the "Laundromat Mission" from St. John's UCC, Fostoria.
Send your story to
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If you want to jump start your thinking about Stewardship and Generosity, our 5 videos collection of topics covered with noted consultant Don Hill is available. As you click on the resource page, a short synopsis of each video is available. Can be used effectively in small group settings or you can take a segment for use in worship.
Permission is granted for the churches of Northwest Ohio Association to use the series as they wish with proper credit given."
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The Stewardship and Generosity Team continues to work hard at finding ways to give you and your church resources for enhancing the giving of your congregations. We encourage you to explore the following links:
To donate to Ukraine:
Resources from the Heartland Conference
Conference Stewardship Newsletter
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Neighbors in Need Offering |
In 2022, the Neighbors in Need “BEHOLD!” offering focuses on an economic justice. With inflation impacting all of our households, we wanted to provide a way to discuss this through a faith lens. Join us by promoting this year’s NIN “Behold!” campaign at your church. As you may recall, one-third of the offering supports Council for American Indian Ministry (CAIM). Two-thirds are used by Justice and Witness Ministries to provide grants to UCC churches and organizations as well as supporting a variety of justice initiatives, advocacy efforts, and direct service projects.
Most churches collect the offering on October 2, 2022 as part of World Communion Sunday, but contributions can be made at any time.
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***From the NWOA Witness and Proclamation Ministry Team
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One of the stories from the gospel of Matthew of the early childhood of Jesus is the flight from Bethlehem to Egypt to escape the violent murder of young children at Herod’s order.
We, today, have families fleeing with their children to escape violence in their home countries. Many are seeking asylum as refugees in the United States. One faith community that helps thousands of legal refugees every year is the Humanitarian Respite Center in McAllen, Texas. It is run by our brothers and sisters in Catholic Charities. To support the families who go through the center they have an Amazon wish list where you may make purchases that are delivered directly to the Center. (a very efficient way of giving). Here is the link to Catholic Charities and the Amazon Link: https://www.catholiccharitiesrgv.org/Donations.aspx
The Witness and Proclamation Team of Northwest Ohio invites all congregations to share this information through their newsletter. Let’s make a difference. And, in this season of Advent, Christmas, and Epiphany, let’s welcome some holy families who are seeking safety!
Stay informed through Facebook page
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***From the Pastoral Relations Working Group
of the NWOA Church and Ministry Team
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Covid Resources
The coronavirus pandemic has revealed and exacerbated places of pain and injustice throughout our institutions and communities, and clergy have borne the weight of this. The Pastoral Relations working group has listened to the pain that exists in our local clergy and have been trying to pay close attention to mental health and family concerns. Included here are links to resources for clergy and churches to be aware of. Read more
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Anti-Racism & White Privilege
Attached to the end of the newsletter is an additional list of available resources.
We hope that these resources meet the needs of pastors looking for resources to begin conversations regarding anti-racism within their congregations. If you have other ideas for how we may assist in bringing resources / training to you regarding this topic, please contact Nanette Warnecke-Flood at Nanettef@syctelco.com
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Chaplain Opportunity at United Church Homes
Uplands Community in Pleasant Hill, Tennessee, a community managed by United Church Homes, is seeking a ¾ time chaplain position. This beautiful, historic community in central Tennessee provides the full spectrum of services for older adults. Pleasant Hill United Church of Christ which is adjacent to the Uplands campus serves members of the Upland Community and members from the wider community. They are also concurrently searching for a pastor. These two positions would provide a unique opportunity for a clergy couple.
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Make a Difference Grant - Applications Open!
Does your congregation have a special ministry it would like to engage to make a difference in the world? A MAD grant may be just the thing to help that get launched.
The application can be found by clicking on the link below. For further questions, contact Becca Hoskins at becca@heartlanducc.org. Please submit it by Friday, November 4, at 5pm.
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Join us for our Anti-Racism Network gathering on November 2 for an evening of reflection and conversation about the Peace & Justice Pilgrimage to Alabama hosted by the Heartland Conference and the Living Water Association this past summer, The Pilgrimage, organized by Rev. Jason Thompson, Pastor at West Park UCC in Cleveland, occurred this past June 14-20. It consisted of twenty-five clergy and laity who followed in the footsteps of the Civil Rights movement. |
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Give yourself a gift at the beginning of the new year - 24 hours away with clergy friends, new and old. Rekindle your enthusiasm for ministry through prayer, poetry, music, nature, chef-prepared food. Group sessions will give us the opportunity to talk about the challenges of ministry in this moment and recommit ourselves to healthy spiritual practices. We will offer plenty of free time for options including visiting the farm animals, yoga, conversation and games. Spend time alone or spend time in conversation - do what your spirit needs!
All authorized ministers invited, welcome, and thoroughly encouraged to attend! If you are interested in spending a day on your own at Bellwether, either before or after the retreat – contact Kelly Brill to discuss at pastor@avonlakeucc.org.
Space is limited to 40 people.
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In addition to our prayers, there are more ways to aid the people of Ukraine. Gifts made to UCC Ukraine Relief Fund will provide shelter, food, and other care to war refugees and internally displaced people. Donate online with the link below or designate a check for Ukraine Relief and mail to United Church of Christ, P.O. Box 71957 Cleveland, OH 44194. Gifts made to Sharing America's Resources Abroad (S.A.R.A) provide food, clothing and sanitary items for refugees fleeing to Hungary. Donate online with the link below or designate a check for Ukraine Emergency Fund and mail to SARA, c/o Heartland Conference UCC, P.O. Box 1230
Worthington, OH 43085.
Please know that your gifts of any size make a difference in this critical time.
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UCC Webinar - Centering Africa at the UN Climate Conference
November 9th - 1 pm
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In November, leaders from the world’s nations will be convening at COP27, the United Nations Climate Change Conference in Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt. While this summit has been described as "the African COP," activists from the continent have asserted that they are already being shut out. In this webinar, we will center the climate concerns and issues faced by Africa, the continent that bears the least responsibility for the climate crisis yet is most vulnerable to its destructive impacts. The webinar will be on Wednesday, November 9th at 1 pm ET/12 pm CT/11 am MT/10 am PT. Register for this webinar to learn more!
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UCC News - Delve into Advent 2022 with resources for churches |
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Advent 2022 is fast approaching. Still looking for inspiration for church activities, devotionals, faith formation or worship planning? The United Church of Christ has you covered. Church leaders prepping for this time of preparation can access a number of resources outlined below. This Thursdays for the Soul webinar...
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Mission Moments
Use Mission Moments every week to tell a story about your congregation’s connection with the wider church. Each issue – which is designed to be inserted with your newsletter or Sunday worship bulletin – is an effective way to inform your members about what they make possible through their gifts to Our Church’s Wider Mission.
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A series of Zoom courses from the Parker Center for Abundant Aging designed to create community and conversation around spiritual life, encouraging older adults to learn, grow and share together. For more information, email KMoeller@uchinc.org.
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THE HOLIDAYS…The gatherings, presents, people and food. The memories...The grief. The holidays bring many things, not all of them joyous. For those grieving a loss, it can feel nearly impossible. You are invited to a different sort of gathering: a time of GRIEF CARE FOR THE HOLIDAYS. During this gently facilitated space, grief will be spoken and honored, and mourning loss will be welcomed and supported. MINI RETREAT: Join us for three hours of sharing and honoring loss, while receiving resources for practicing your own grief care for the holidays. FOUR WEEKLY SESSION: Or connect in four weekly sessions, making space for support throughout the season. Or both! Sponsored by the Parker Center for Abundant Aging, register at no charge at www.UnitedChurchHomes.org/enliven
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Winter 2023 Pathways Courses |
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PATHWAYS Theological Education, Inc., invites you to explore its Progressive Christian theological education courses. PATHWAYS courses are affordable, asynchronous, and completely online to fit the schedules of busy people! Each course offers participants the opportunity to develop competency in the subject matter as well as the chance to meet and work with a diverse group from across the United States.
Whether you are called to a pastoral role, a congregational or community leader seeking new skills, or a curious inquirer, PATHWAYS has courses to expand your thinking, enhance your knowledge, and exhilarate your soul.
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Course Schedule Look for PATHWAYS Winter I Term (January 2023) including: UCC History and Polity, and a new Clinical Pastoral Education (ACPE accredited CPE). Spring and Summer 2023 schedule coming soon!
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Ministerial Preparation The PATHWAYS core three-level curriculum for ministerial preparation, leadership development and continuing education.
There is time to sign up for courses, the registration process is easy and courses can begin the same day you register. Contact Melissa Ashmore, Registrar at registrar@pathwaystheological.org with questions.
Our participants include:
- students in preparation for ordination to the ministry as pastors;
- ordained pastors with a passion for continuing education;
- church members whose gifts include Bible Study leadership, youth ministry, children’s ministry, and worship design;
- seminary students seeking additional education;
- community leaders whose work includes building coalitions across faith traditions; and
- those exploring calls to chaplaincy in hospitals, hospices, prisons, and other specialized settings.
If you are discerning a call to ministry, interested in deepening your foundation for Christian Education or just want to explore your own Christian faith, PATHWAYS Theological Education, Inc. is the right place!
Rev. Marian R. Plant, Ed.D., President, Board of Directors
Rev. Dr. Salome As-Salaam, Vice President, Board of Directors
Rev. Dr. Ruth Shaver, Secretary, Board of Directors
Rev. Ginnie Ferrell, Treasurer, Board of Directors
PATHWAYS Theological Education, Inc.
PATHWAYS Website Addresses:
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Your generous gift makes our ministry possible |
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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
Fax # eliminated.
Send documents to office@nwoa.org
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