"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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"Blessings Always"
Rev. Daniel Busch
Association Minister
October 28, 2020
SAINTS. This week-end there are two events on the calendar that seem to have conflicting interests. Halloween seems so secular/worldly and high energy especially for children as they put on costumes for trick or treating. The other is All Saints Day that is a liturgical remembrance service for those who have died and remembered on the church calendar on November 1st. From pagan traditions on All Hallows Eve (Halloween), the souls of the dead came back to earth and walked among the living. Christian tradition soon included All Hallows Eve as the time to prepare themselves by praying and fasting in preparation for the next day that has become All Saints Day. SAINTS of the past have inspired us, mentored us and loved us. Often at services of celebration for the life of one who has died, we often say the person was a SAINT. In many ways they still do walk among us, their spirit is very much alive in our memory and we do give thanks to God for granting us blessings through them.
One of my favorite hymns comes from the Anglican tradition that I learned about while being an organist for an Episcopal Church while in seminary. “I Sing a Song of the Saints of God” was written in 1929 by Lesbia Scott of Britain and was first included in her “Everyday Hymns for Little Children.” SAINTS, she writes were “patient and brave and true, who toiled and fought and lived and died for the Lord they loved and knew.” She includes many SAINTS who were historical figures, but in the last verse she writes that SAINTS are alive now: “They lived not only in ages past, there are hundreds of thousands still; the world is bright with the joyous SAINTS who love to do Jesus’ will. You can meet them in school, or in lanes, or at sea, in church or in trains, or in shops, or at tea; for the SAINTS of God are just folk like me, and I mean to be one too.”
We can thank God often for all the SAINTS who have blessed us with their love, humbleness, generosity, compassion, respect, honesty, and sincere reflections which have shaped our faith and life. The hymn reflects that SAINTS loved God and God’s love was shared through them. It is God’s love that makes them—and us—strong. To become a SAINT does not depend upon some ecclesiastical council for verification, for SAINTS are those you and I know, and for someone else we may be SAINTS because we live God’s love in all that we do. Let us “sing a song of the SAINTS OF GOD…and we mean to be SAINTS too.” Thanks be to God. BLESSINGS ALWAYS.
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On October 1, 2020 Rev. Robin Keating began as Interim Minister at First UCC, Marion. Welcome Rev. Keating! |
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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, Bellevue was in the hospital recently but is now home recovering. Please remember Bob during this time of recovery.
Pastor Bill Kerr, Congregational UCC-Wauseon was hospitalized recently and would appreciate prayers.
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Travel with Rev. Daniel Busch, Association Minister
Nov. 8 - Preaching Lytton Zion UCC, Delta 9:15 am
Nov. 15 - Preaching Spencerville UCC, Spencerville
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See what other NWOA congregations are offering in the way of Sunday Worship.
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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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OCWM GIVING
(Our Church's Wider Mission)
2020 OCWM Giving Goal - $305,000
2020 Giving through Sept. - $150,536
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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Healthy Practices
for Ministry
attend to satisfy
NWOA
Boundary Training
requirements
November 11, 2020
9 am - 12 pm - via Zoom
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Weekly Facebook Live Discussion
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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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CROSSROAD
(Child & Family Services)
CHRISTMAS PARTNER
With your help, Crossroad
has been creating special holiday memories for children
for nearly 137 years.
See how you can help!
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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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