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 9, 2022
NEW. “For I am about to create NEW heavens and a NEW earth; the former things shall not be remembered or come to mind.” (Isaiah 65:17). People around the world are struggling financially, emotionally, and spiritually. There is mistrust of each other because of differing opinions. In this election season, the misinformation, hatreds, and ugliness of physical and emotional fighting is causing disrespect for one another. Even in church communities there are disagreements that cause divisions and forming of alliances that name each other as evil and sinful. It seems that Christians are their own worst enemies.
The words from Isaiah remind of us of how bad life can be and yet there is hope, there is something that God creates that is NEW. The prophet’s people were returning from exile and all they could see was destruction of what was and wondering what could be. The prophet reminds his people that God is about to create something NEW in them and “the former things shall not be remembered or come to mind.” God is giving people hope that there will be restoration, a time of joy, life, and rebuilding. Reflecting on Isaiah’s words, Theologian Dr. Walter C. Bouzard states, “Economic inequalities and unjust distribution of resources is a growing problem in the so-called developed world, and it is a problem of long standing for developing nations.” Dr. Bouzard reminds us that Isaiah’s words include a condemnation of status quo. As the Hebrew people returned home and began restoring their nation, they were to live God’s justice with one another. Isaiah’s time is much like our time: “former things” stall or prevent the creation “of NEW heavens and a NEW earth.” Evil has its trickery; relationships are disrupted; hope is lost.
The Good News is that God promises the “NEW heavens and NEW earth.” God declares, “Before they call I will answer, while they are yet speaking I will hear.” (vs. 24). God forgives and forgets the evilness of the past and offers unlimited possibilities into God’s NEW future. Our struggles and divisions do not have the final say. Like the Hebrews even at their worst, God love us and creates in us NEW joy, NEW love, and transformed lives. Be open to the indwelling Spirit of God in NEW ways. BLESSINGS ALWAYS.
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Travel with Rev. Daniel Busch, Association Minister |
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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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Pastor Elyse (Everhart) Cramer (Trinity UCC, McCutchenville) and Matt Cramer are the parents of Myles Joseph Cramer born October 28, 2022 at 4:19 pm weighing 7 lbs. 9 oz. and 21 inches long. Congratulations to the Cramer!
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Ordination Anniversary Celebrations
Sunday, November 13 - Sylvania UCC-Sylvania honoring Rev. Joycelyn Degener (25th Anniversary)
Farewell
Sunday, November 20 - St. John's UCC-Genoa - retiring pastor Rev. Don Giesmann
The congregation of St. John's United Church of Christ in Genoa, OH invites all to the 10 a.m. morning service and a luncheon at 11 a.m. catered by Ole Sims to celebrate and recognize the retirement of our Pastor Don Giesmann who has served as Pastor of St. John's the last 11 years. If you plan on coming to the lunch please RSVP to the church office 419-855-3906 or for notes write to 1213 Washington St. Genoa OH 43430
Sunday, December 18 - Memorial UCC-Toledo - retiring pastor 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
Rev. Michael Darling, Pastor at First Reformed UCC, Kenton will be having knee replacement surgeries during the months of November and December. Request prayers for healing.
Rev. John Mummert, Interim Pastor at Buckland UCC was recently in the hospital but is now home. Please keep John in your prayers.
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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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Fairhaven Online Auction
November 7 thru November 20
Castle Auctions
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++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ |
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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 October - $198,148
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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***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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Philanthropy Day - held across our country in November - celebrates the choice of people to donate time and resources to create positive change in our society. Join Rev. John Dorhauer for a celebration of philanthropy in the Heartland Conference on Thursday, Nov 17, at 4pm Eastern. We will think together about the spiritual importance of generosity in our lives and share the impact giving makes in our world. Click on the image above to register for this event.
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Registration Open! 2023 Clergy Retreat |
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24-Hour Clergy Retreat at Bellwether Farm, beginning at noon on Monday, January 23. Cost include 3 meals and is $150 for a single room, or $125 for a shared room. |
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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 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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Applications open for new Executive Director |
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The Open and Affirming Coalition of the United Church of Christ has opened applications for a new Executive Director. The application deadline is Nov. 25. The start date is Dec. 19. The ONA Coalition is the largest and fastest-growing LGBTQ-affirming church movement in the world. It supports not-yet-ONA congregations on their path towards an Open and Affirming covenant, and supports existing ONA congregations with resources and training programs in mission, ministry and advocacy. The Executive Director implements the Coalition's strategic goals and objectives and provides direction and leadership toward the achievement of the organization’s mission and vision. |
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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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