"The Vine"
An email update.... Keeping Us Connected in Christ"
This newsletter is brought to you by your OCWM Contributions
|
|
Your generous gift makes our ministry possible |
|
"Blessings Always"
Rev. Daniel L. Busch
Association Minister Message
July 14, 2021
HEALTH. “When Jesus arrived and saw a large crowd, he had compassion on them because they were like sheep without a shepherd.” (Mark 6:34, CEB) Mark compacts in chapter 6 details about Jesus’ ministry of presence, teaching and healing. It includes the story of the death of John the Baptist, Jesus’ cousin. Included is the questioning of Jesus’ authority of ministry by people in His hometown of Nazareth and then the commissioning and instruction of the twelve disciples. Mark is a master writer of supporting information to validate Jesus’ authority to what we might call “authorization for ministry.” Chapter 6 also includes the feeding of the crowd, as Mark describes, “Those who had eaten the loaves numbered five thousand men.” (vs. 46), and if women and children were included in the count there might have been fifteen thousand fed that day.
Mark is clear the crowds came out wherever Jesus was, especially those with diseases so that they might be HEALED. People who followed Jesus believed a miracle would happen, even by touching His cloak. Mark writes, “Everyone who touched him was HEALED.” (v. 56).
A major concern of societies today is the HEALTH of its citizens. Availability of HEALTHCARE is important and should be available to everyone. Many countries do not have access to doctors or other medical personnel and many follow some form of “shamans, magicians or other mediums” to help them find HEALTH. Our Christian faith cares about the HEALTH of the whole person: mind, body and spirit. When persons experience UNHEALTHINESS in any area, living can be miserable.
Someone wrote, “HEALTH is not an end in itself, but a reason to save others.” The United Church of Christ is actively engaged in HEALING ministries by establishing many communities that deal with holiness and wholeness of persons and society. It is important that we continue supporting those ministries. Thoughts and prayers plus community action do lead to the well-being of persons and society. Blessed are those who provide care and bring HEALING into people’s lives and the world. HEALTH of mind, body and spirit of persons and the HEALTH of the world can be accomplished through intentional ministries of all of us who have been touched by Jesus, with the help of God. BLESSINGS ALWAYS.
|
|
Travel with Rev. Daniel Busch, Association Minister |
|
July 25 - Preaching at St. Paul UCC, Wapakoneta 10:15 am celebration of Anniv. Ordin.
August 1 - Preaching at Sycamore UCC, Sycamore 10:30 am
August 8 - Joining First UCC, Marblehead for a 3:00 pm Installation
August 22 - Joining St. John's UCC, Tiffin for a 3:00 pm Installation
Sept. 19 - Joining St. Peter's UCC, Millbury for a 3:00 pm Installation
|
|
St. John's UCC, Tiffin hosted a celebration for Rev. Daniel Busch, Association Minister in celebration of his 50th Ordination Anniversary. The celebration took place on Sunday, July 11, 2021 during the Sunday morning worship service. Congratulations! |
|
Pictured with Rev. Busch is Susan Bishop, past member of the NWOA Church and Ministry Team. |
|
|
|
NWOA VOLUNTEERS WITH SPECIFIC SKILLS NEEDED |
Volunteers with experience, expertise in public relations, marketing, social media and printing are being sought for the purpose of putting those abilities to work in service to Christ's church. The purpose is to form a group to conduct preliminary discussions about creating opportunities for sharing/networking among NWOA churches regarding church outreach. Through this effort, it is hoped churches with successful outreach activities can share with others, and other churches wanting to do more outreach work can learn from those churches that have had success, and from the volunteers on this new team. If you, or someone you know, would fit this need, please e-mail Pastor Jay Scott at jayscott1981@yahoo.com
|
|
Prayer Concerns/Request
Continuing prayer for : Keith Huizenga, Rev. Steve Voelker, Rev. Diane Christopherson, Pastor Dee Schroer, Pastor Bill Kerr, Tim Metz, Jim Huckemeyer, Pastor Tom Kagy,
Rev. Marty Stiffler, Rev. Doug Williamson, Rev. John Rainey
|
|
Celebration of life of the
Rev. Dr. Ralph C. Quellhorst
August 12,1937- June 23, 2020
Heidelberg University,
Wickham Great Hall
located in the Campus Center
Tiffin, Ohio.
Sunday, August 8, 2021 - 4 PM Service
followed by a reception outside
Following the service, our family will greet guests outdoors on the Campus Center lawn (Campus Center 220 in case of inclement weather). A meal will also be served on the lawn following the visitation (Hoernemann Refectory in case of inclement weather).
|
|
Note: Heidelberg University continues to follow CDC guidelines with regard to COVID-19. We kindly request that those who are not fully vaccinated continue to observe masking and distancing protocols while on campus for the Celebration of Life ceremony.
Mindy, Jeff, AJ, Andy, Miranda, Charlotte, Cindy, Harry, Brad, Rob, Pam, Chris
|
|
2021 OCWM Giving Goal - $280,000
2021 Giving through June - $102,849
CHURCH TREASURER
|
|
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.
This First Class will be in-person (if able). The next seven classes will be completed via Zoom.
|
|
Lay School of Religion
Next Class:
Caring Conversations in Christian Ministry
Beginning:
September 7, 2021
Instructor:
Rev. Catherine
Lawrence
|
|
2021 PERIODIC SUPPORT CONSULTATION
Date: Saturday, October 9, 2021
Location: VIA Zoom
Time: 9:00 am - Noon
|
|
***From the NWOA Stewardship and Caring Ministry Team |
|
Dear NWOA Faith Family,
The Stewardship and Caring Team is pleased to offer you a series of conversations with Don Hill, a specialist in Stewardship and Fundraising. The team met with Don one Saturday morning in April and from that meeting came 5 separate videos for your consideration. A new video will be posted each week so you might take time to linger over each one (about 15-20 minutes in length). If you wish to follow up with the team with questions or wish to be put in touch with Don for a follow up consultation use the Association email or phone number to send a message and someone will be in contact with you. We hope you enjoyed these “conversations” and that Don’s thoughts prove useful to all as we continue to engage our local church Stewardship practices.
Blessings to All, The NWOA Stewardship and Caring Team
Video # 1 - Post-Pandemic: Is this the time to ask for money? CLICK HERE
Video # 2 - A Church Member's Legacy:
How to Support the Church after You've Gone CLICK HERE
Video # 3 - Coming Soon!
Video #4 - We are Back!
Church Giving after the Return to the Sanctuary CLICK HERE
|
|
***From the NWOA Witness and Proclamation Ministry Team |
|
To the clergy and lay people of the Northwest Ohio Association…..
I am the Chair of the Witness and Proclamation Team, and we have been working to keep you informed through The Vine of ways in which we can witness to the salvation we have in Jesus Christ and proclaim it in the corner of Northwest Ohio where we live and worship. Please note that we are also trying to keep you informed through our Facebook page, and please LIKE / FOLLOW us so that you can stay engaged with us and others.
2 Timothy 4:1-2 New International Version
“In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who will judge the living and the dead, and in view of his appearing and his kingdom, I give you this charge: Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction.”
What a “season” this Covid pandemic has imposed upon us and which continues to influence us in ways that we are conscious of, and in other ways which are deeply unconscious or subconscious!! The long-term effects of this “season” will appear and reverberate for decades to come, with many of these revelations being rather shocking to us when they come, I imagine.
God blessing and peace to all,
Pastor Scott Johnson
|
|
***From the Pastoral Relations Working Group
of the NWOA Church and Ministry Team
|
|
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
|
|
Spiritual Director
Ongoing Covid 19 issues and other daily life processes can get in the way of mental health and happiness. We are in the process of gathering names and email addresses of spiritual directors. The names we have so far are:
Please contact them if you would like to explore what spiritual direction is and how it can help in your day to day life.
If there are other spiritual directors you know who would be interested, please let us know by contacting the Pastoral Relations WG of the Church and Ministry Team by calling the Association office. 419-447-8323
|
|
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
|
|
***From the El Salvador Coordinating Team |
|
Hello friends; The situation in El Salvador has changed since the pandemic started over a year ago. They are now receiving some vaccine and the population is starting to get vaccinated. Many of the older people have been vaccinated already. Christian had the coronavirus several months ago but he recovered very quickly. He will get his first vaccination shot next Monday.
Bishop Gomez has reached retirement age and a committee of pastors and lay persons of the Synod has been formed to come up with candidates for the bishop’s position. This will probably not be accomplished for the next 15 months. READ ON
|
|
Rummage Sale
Event: St. Stephen UCC Rummage Sale Day 2
Date: Saturday, July 24
Time: 9:00am - 1:00pm
Location: 905 E. Perkins Ave, Sandusky OH 44870
Special: All Clothing is BOGO (Buy one, Get one)
|
|
Folding Tables & Chairs Needed
Steuben Congregational U.C.C. is searching for folding tables and chairs for their fellowship hall. Please, only ones in good condition. Please contact Debbie Kaufmann @ 419-544-0477.
|
|
Small Church Cluster again this year will be selling tickets at the Seneca County Fair Gates on Thursday July 29th. Workers are needed from 8 -12 pm, 12 - 5 pm & 5 till closing. Please call Sue Rainey if interested.
419-937-0500 or 419-701-9148
|
|
Director of Faith Formation Opening
Sylvania United Church of Christ is seeking a Director of Faith Formation to develop and provide spiritual, relational, organizational and administrative leadership to all faith formation programs and church activities, with a primary focus on children, young families, youth, and young adults. The candidate must have a passion for faith formation, desire to engage meaningfully with individuals of all ages and life stages, and skills in program and event development and implementation are essential to this role.
Please send a cover letter and resumes to: Sylvania United Church of Christ, Attention: David Walker and Rev. Dr. Vern Swett, 7240 Erie Street, Sylvania, Ohio 43560 or emailed to pastorvern@sylvaniaucc.org.
|
|
Director of Connection
& Engagement
Opening
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.
Please send a cover letter and resumes to: Sylvania United Church of Christ, Attention: David Walker and Rev. Dr. Vern Swett, 7240 Erie Street, Sylvania, Ohio 43560 or emailed to pastorvern@sylvaniaucc.org.
|
|
Director of Christian Education Opening
St. John’s Church (UCC), Genoa
Our congregation is in search of an enthusiastic Christian, who is looking for an opportunity to lead our children and youth in fellowship both through the church and Nurturing Center. The appropriate person shall have the ability to plan and implement activities for those ranging in age from 2 1/2 to young adults. The leader we choose will possess excellent organizational and communication skills, and will desire to be highly visible in our church community. This is a full time, salaried position. Applications must be submitted before 07/15/2021. For more information about our church, or to apply, please contact our office at 419-855-3906. Responsibilities
|
|
Office Manager/Administrative Assistant Opening
St. John's Church (UCC), Genoa
Full Time Office Manager/Administrative Assistant: Serves as secretary for the church and administrative assistant for the Pastor
Qualifications: High School diploma or equivalent, previous experience with administrative tasks, customer service, church ministry and computer skills a plus.
Interested candidates please submit a cover letter, resume and three references
St. John’s United Church of Christ
1213 Washington Street
Genoa, OH 43430
419-855-3906 (phone)
|
|
Special Offerings
November 14- Stewardship Sunday
December 19 - Christmas Fund
|
|
|
|
|
Conference Minister Nomination Announcement |
|
Dear Heartland Conference Faith Family,
The Board of Directors of the Heartland Conference is pleased to announce the nomination of the Rev. David Long-Higgins to be called to the position of Conference Minister to the Heartland Conference, United Church of Christ. Rev. Long-Higgins, currently serving as the Transitional Conference Minister, has distinguished himself during these last three years as an effective, engaging leader who is well suited to continue the conference efforts to live into its emerging future.
The background of this proposal from the Board of Directors to make this nomination, a redefined job description, along with a biographical sketch of Rev. Long-Higgins for those of you who do not yet know him are below. Continue Reading.
|
|
Generosity Webinars with Rev. Andrew Warner
July 28 & August 23
|
|
|
|
Join in conversations with local church pastors from across all three conferences as they share learnings from the long season of COVID and what those might suggest for emerging ministries going forward.
|
|
|
|
Some proposed climate policies have been described as false solutions by climate activists and policy analysts because they fall short in meeting the moral demands of science, equity, and justice. Learn what faith communities need to know in this webinar that will feature Leah Stokes, who authored of the acclaimed book Short Circuiting Policy, and Gabriela Sarri-Tobar, who serves the Center for Biological Diversity as the Energy Justice Campaigner. Even if you can’t make the scheduled time of 1 pm ET on Thursday, July 22nd, still sign-up, and we will send you a recording. Register now!
|
|
Christmas in July:
Good news, great joy, all the people!
Dear Friend,
As summer begins, we see hopeful signs that the pandemic is abating. But the changes brought by COVID-19 to our country, our churches, and our families and friends will be long-lasting.
Since the pandemic began, the United Church Board for Ministerial Assistance (UCBMA) has provided financial relief to pastors, lay church workers and their families. Requests for assistance rose sharply over these past months, and because of generous support for the Christmas Fund for Veterans of the Cross and the Emergency Fund, no request went unfulfilled.
Thanks to the financial support of so many in past years, we know that the caring and compassionate ministry of UCBMA assistance programs will be there this time… next time… and every time.
You are an essential, beloved partner in allowing us to continue to provide an emergency grant to a working pastor, pension supplementation to a retired church administrator, and help paying medical insurance premiums for a church worker’s surviving spouse. Your generous response to this Christmas in July appeal ensures the flow of loving support will not be interrupted.
Donate here, or mail a check made out to the Christmas Fund, to The Pension Boards-UCC, Christmas Fund, 75 Remittance Drive, Suite 1637, Chicago, IL 60675-1637.
So many lives are impacted, and so much spiritual support is conveyed, through the gift you make today. Thank you! Faithfully, Joaquin Labour-Acosta, Director of Ministerial Assistance Grants
|
|
General Synod Worship is open to Everyone! |
|
You can view Sunday evenings worship service without registering!
Sunday July 18th at 6 pm
Join us for Worship by going to the United Church of Christ YouTube channel or by
going to the UCC’s Facebook page.
|
|
There are many resources and updates that are very useful.
|
|
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
|
|
|
|
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
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
